Births on January 7

Bobby McDermott, American basketball player (d. 1963)

Robert F. McDermott: A Pioneering Long-Distance Shooting Legend

Robert Frederick McDermott (January 7, 1914 – October 3, 1963) was a pioneering American professional basketball player whose influential career spanned the formative decades of the 1930s and 1940s. During an era when professional basketball was still establishing its roots and evolving from its collegiate and amateur beginnings, McDermott distinguished himself as a singular and transformative talent on the hardwood.

The Unrivaled Long-Distance Shooter of His Era

McDermott's most enduring legacy lies in his extraordinary shooting ability, which earned him a reputation as arguably the finest offensive threat of his time. He was widely acclaimed by his peers and basketball historians alike as "the greatest long-distance shooter in the history of the game" – a remarkable testament to his skill during an era devoid of the modern three-point line. In early professional basketball, a "long-distance" shot often implied scoring consistently from well beyond the foul line, a feat that required exceptional precision, touch, and range. McDermott's uncanny knack for consistently sinking shots from these extended ranges was a significant tactical advantage for his teams, making him a formidable and often unguardable force. His unique ability to convert shots from virtually anywhere on the court elevated his teams' offensive capabilities and captivated audiences, setting a precedent for future perimeter players.

A Career in Early Professional Basketball Leagues

Throughout his impactful career, Robert F. McDermott played for several prominent professional teams within the National Basketball League (NBL), one of the principal precursors to the modern National Basketball Association (NBA). His playing career included notable stints with teams such as the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons (a franchise that later became the Detroit Pistons) and, most significantly, the Rochester Royals. With the Royals, McDermott was instrumental in leading the team to the 1945-46 NBL championship, showcasing his leadership and clutch scoring. He was frequently among the league's top scorers, consistently demonstrating his unparalleled ability to put points on the board and forcing opposing defenses to adjust their strategies, highlighting his profound influence on the game's tactical evolution during that period.

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement

Robert F. McDermott's enduring impact on the sport of basketball was formally recognized posthumously on May 9, 1988, when he was enshrined into the prestigious Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. This induction serves as a definitive acknowledgement of his significant contributions to the sport, particularly his innovative offensive skills during a foundational era. The Naismith Hall of Fame honors those who have made exceptional contributions to basketball at all levels, and McDermott's inclusion underscores his historical importance as one of the game's earliest and most impactful scoring talents, a pioneer whose methods foreshadowed modern offensive play.

A Distinguished Family Legacy

Beyond his on-court achievements, McDermott's family legacy continues through his grandson, Bill McDermott, a highly successful and influential American businessman. Bill McDermott is widely known for his distinguished career in corporate leadership, including his transformative tenure as CEO of SAP, one of the world's largest enterprise software companies, and his current role as CEO of ServiceNow, further cementing the family's profile in their respective fields.

Frequently Asked Questions About Robert F. McDermott

What made Robert F. McDermott a significant basketball player?

Robert F. McDermott was significant primarily due to his exceptional long-distance shooting ability, which was considered revolutionary for his era (1930s-1940s). He was widely regarded as "the greatest long-distance shooter in the history of the game" by his contemporaries, consistently scoring from ranges well beyond what was typical for his time and without the benefit of a three-point line.

Which professional basketball teams did Robert F. McDermott play for?

During his career, Robert F. McDermott played for several teams in the National Basketball League (NBL), a key precursor to the NBA. Notable teams included the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons and the Rochester Royals, with whom he won the 1945-46 NBL championship.

When was Robert F. McDermott inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame?

Robert F. McDermott was posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on May 9, 1988, recognizing his pioneering contributions and extraordinary skills in the early years of professional basketball.

How did "long-distance shooting" differ in McDermott's era compared to today?

In Robert F. McDermott's era, "long-distance shooting" referred to shots made from significantly far from the basket, often beyond the foul line, in a game without a three-point line. Unlike today's game where specific areas yield more points, all field goals were worth two points, making McDermott's ability to consistently score from range incredibly valuable and unique for his time.