Bill Schaeffer Inducted in 2009
Bill Schaeffer
William G. Schaeffer a native of Bellerose, New York, Schaeffer attended Holy Cross High School in Flushing, New York. As a junior, he led the team to a basketball championship in 1968 (the first in school history). As a senior, he was named to the New York City All-Stars team. He would later attend St. John's University. In three varsity seasons spanning between 1970–71 and 1972–73, Schaeffer established himself as one of the premier players in program history.
Schaeffer was drafted by the Lakers, in the second round (23rd overall) of the 1973 NBA draft. Despite being drafted to the NBA, he chose instead to play in the American Basketball Association, which at the time was almost on par with the NBA in terms of popularity. In his rookie season in 1973–74, he played for the New York Nets who won the ABA championship. Schaeffer played a second full season with the Nets the following year as they failed to defend their title. He then went on to play for Allentown Jets (1975), and the Virginia Squires (1976). Career highlights ABA champion (1974), EPBL champion (1975), Third-team All-American – AP, UPI, NABC (1973), and Haggerty Award winner (1973).
Schaeffer was drafted by the Lakers, in the second round (23rd overall) of the 1973 NBA draft. Despite being drafted to the NBA, he chose instead to play in the American Basketball Association, which at the time was almost on par with the NBA in terms of popularity. In his rookie season in 1973–74, he played for the New York Nets who won the ABA championship. Schaeffer played a second full season with the Nets the following year as they failed to defend their title. He then went on to play for Allentown Jets (1975), and the Virginia Squires (1976). Career highlights ABA champion (1974), EPBL champion (1975), Third-team All-American – AP, UPI, NABC (1973), and Haggerty Award winner (1973).