(February 4, 1930 – December 1, 2015) “Jungle Jim” Loscutoff journeyed from the hardwood of Mac Court and the University of Oregon to the heights of the pro game by winning seven NBA titles with the Boston Celtics.
Loscutoff was born in San Francisco, graduating from Palo Alto High in 1948. He came to Oregon via Grant Technical College. The 6-foot-5 forward became a rebounding monster at Oregon. He played two seasons for the Ducks wrapped around three years of military service.
His senior year he averaged a double-double 19.4 points and 17.2 rebounds. Jim grabbed an unbelievable 32 boards in one game vs BYU. He led the Northern Division in scoring and was named Ducks team MVP. His career rebounding average was 14.8 per game.
Although Oregon had just one winning season with Loscutoff on the roster, the Boston Celtics selected him fourth overall in 1955. That was the beginning of the Celtic dynasty. Jim played in 511 games over nine seasons and was part of seven NBA championship teams. His defensive skills made him an ideal wing man for Bob Cousy.
FollowIng his retirement, Loscutoff became a teacher and then coach at Boston State College. His jersey retirement by the Celtics is his other nickname “LOSCY” rather than his number. Jim wanted the #18 available for a future Celtic. That turned out to be eventual Basketball Hall of Fame member Dave Cowens. He is also a member of the University of Oregon Hall of Fame.
