Robert A. "Bob" Kurland Enshrined 1961 Jennings, MO December 23, 1924 Biography A devastating force at 6-foot-10, Bob Kurland towered over opponents. Known as "Foothills," Kurland was the first player in history to win two Olympic Gold Medals. In 1944, his ability to block and alter opponents' shots changed the way basketball was played by forcing the NCAA to abolish shot blocking. Kurland starred on two Oklahoma A&M NCAA Championship teams under Hall of Fame coach Hank Iba and was named the tournament's first two-time MVP in 1945 and 1946. After pondering a pro career, Kurland joined the AAU's Phillips 66 Oilers in the 1946-47 season. During six All-America AAU seasons with Philips, Kurland's dominating play brought three national championships to the team. Career Highlights All-America, 1944, 1945, 1946 Led Oklahoma A&M to NCAA Championships, 1945, 1946 Helms Foundation Player of the Year, 1946 First two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner, 1948, 1952