Barney Sedran
(1891 - 1964)
Barney Sedran was one of the great early pro basketball players in the 1910s and 1920s. He was nicknamed "Mighty Mite" because of his small 5’4” frame. His career is well summed up with a quote by fellow Jewish Hall of Famer Nat Holman, considered by many experts to be the greatest player of the 1920s. He said, “Barney Sedran, in my humble opinion, was the greatest little man who ever played the game. He could do everything. A great outside and inside shooter, smart passer, great ball handler, and very fast. He was always in motion, setting up play situations which resulted in baskets. He used his mind at all times and for a little man withstood the punishment that was characteristic of the rough and tumble contact game of the pros in the early days of the sport. He could do everything. He was the most complete player of his time. He was afraid of none and dared all." In 1962 Sedran was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame, becoming the smallest player to ever achieve this honor. He played with over 15 teams in his career, most notably with the New York Whirlwinds.
Sources: Wikipedia, Jewish Sports Net