Neil Johnston (Chillicothe)

Billy Hoyle · Post by **Billy Hoyle** » Thu Feb 07, 2019 5:34 pm

Neil was a 1946 Chillicothe Alum, and attended Ohio State where he starred in baseball and basketball. He signed a pro contract with the Phillies out of college where he pursued the sport for just over 2 years. Following a tryout in 1951, Neil joined the Philadelphia Warriors of the NBA. He led the NBA in scoring in 1953, '54 and '55...he also led the league in rebounding in '55. Neil played in 6 NBA All Star games and was a member of the 1956 NBA Champions. He averaged 19 points and 12 rebounds in his 8 year professional career before a knee injury forced retirement. Neil is a member of the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame, Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame, and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Although at last check they still appeared to be somewhat short financially, an effort is still underway by Chillicothe's Bruce Caplinger to erect a 13 foot statue of Neil in front of Hatton Memorial Gym. Imo, of ALL the great former Chilly athletes, NONE had a better post-High School resume' than Neil.