Charlie Criss
Charles Washington Criss, Jr. (born November 6, 1948) is an American former professional basketball player born in Valhalla, New York.
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 6, 1948 Valhalla, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Listed height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Listed weight | 165 lb (75 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Gorton (Yonkers, New York) |
| College | New Mexico State (1967–1970) |
| NBA draft | 1970 / Undrafted |
| Playing career | 1975–1985 |
| Position | Point guard |
| Number | 14, 1, 15 |
| Career history | |
| 1975–1977 | Scranton Apollos |
| 1977–1982 | Atlanta Hawks |
| 1981–1983 | San Diego Clippers |
| 1982–1985 | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 1984–1986 | Atlanta Hawks |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
| Career NBA statistics | |
| Points | 3,534 (8.5 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 592 (1.4 rpg) |
| Assists | 1,335 (3.2 apg) |
| Stats at Basketball-Reference.com | |
Listed as a 5'8" guard, although closer to 5'7" out of New Mexico State University, Criss began his professional career in the Continental Basketball Association, earning league Most Valuable Player honors with the Scranton Apollos in 1976, next playing for the Washington Generals.[1] He joined the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association the following year, and played eight seasons in the league with the Hawks, San Diego Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks.[2] When he entered the NBA, Criss was the league's shortest active player.[3]
In his NBA career, Criss averaged 8.5 points and 3.2 assists per game, his best year being his first, posting averages of 11 points and 4 assists in 77 matches.[2] Since retiring as a player, he worked as a golf instructor, an Atlanta Hawks television color commentator, a minor-league basketball coach and a basketball summer camp coordinator.[3]