Ed Macauley: 1928-2011
Ed Macauley, who began a Basketball Hall of Fame career in his native St. Louis and Saint Louis University, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 8. He was 83.
Best known as simply “Easy Ed,” Macauley is easily the greatest Billiken basketball player in the history of the program and one of the most beloved. A third team All-America center in 1945-46, he was a first team All-American in 1947-48 and 1948-49. Macauley led SLU to the 1948 NIT championship and was named MVP. He was the 1948-49 Associated Press Collegiate Player of the Year. Macauley still ranks tenth on the Bills’ all-time scoring list with 1,402 points.
Macauley was the top draft choice of the NBA’s St. Louis Bombers in 1949 and played one season with them before being traded to the Boston Celtics. He spent six seasons (1950-51 through 1955-56) with the Celtics before being dealt to the St. Louis Hawks.
Macauley played three seasons with the Hawks and helped St. Louis win the NBA title in 1958-59. He scored more than 11,000 points in 10 NBA seasons and was one of the elite scorers in his era. In fact, Macauley was considered by many to be the best defensive big man of his time. He played in seven NBA All-Star games and was named All-NBA four times.
Macauley entered the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1960 and later had his number retired by the Celtics. In his post-playing days, he became a visible figure in the St. Louis community. He was a sportscaster for KTVI-TV for many years, was a color analyst for Billiken and Illinois basketball games, became a deacon in his church and worked ardently for the St. Louis archdiocese. He has accrued numerous civic awards, including a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame.
Last year, the Billikens recognized Macauley at Chaifetz Arena for “Ed Macauley Day” on Nov. 27. Surrounded by more than 30 members of his family, Macauley stood at center court and gave a memorable speech to the Billiken faithful in attendance.
STATEMENT FROM SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS CHRIS MAY
“The Saint Louis University department of athletics sends its thoughts and prayers to the Macauley family on the passing of a great Billiken – Easy Ed Macauley. Ed was a wonderful representative of the Billikens, a true class act. The SLU community has lost a true legend.”
To leave condolences or to share your memories of Easy Ed, please click here. Entries will be posted on SLUBillikens.com and will also be sent to the Macauley family.
Leave a Reply