Jerome Joseph Vayda (July 18, 1934 – February 16, 1978[1]) was an American basketball player.[2] At a height of 6'4" (1.93 m) tall, he played at the small forward position.

Jerry Vada
Vayda with North Carolina, c. 1953
Personal information
Born(1934-07-18)July 18, 1934
Bayonne, New Jersey, US
DiedFebruary 16, 1978(1978-02-16) (aged 43)
New Orleans, Louisiana, US
Listed height6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Listed weight200 lb (91 kg)
Career information
High schoolSt. Peter's Prep
(Jersey City, New Jersey)
CollegeNorth Carolina (1952–1956)
NBA draft1956: undrafted
PositionSmall forward
Career highlights and awards
Medals
Men's Basketball
Representing  United States
FIBA World Cup
Silver medal – second place 1959 Chile

College career

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Vayda attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he played college basketball with the Tar Heels. He was named to the ACC's All Second Team, in 1954.

National team career

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As a member of the U.S. Air Force, Vayda represented the senior men's USA national basketball team, at the 1959 FIBA World Championship. He scored a total of 162 points during the tournament, for a scoring average of 18.0 points per game.[3] With the US, he won the tournament's silver medal.

Personal life

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Vayda was born in Bayonne, New Jersey, on July 18, 1934, to his parents Joseph G. Vayda and Anna C. Vayda. He died on February 16, 1978, at the age of 43, due to a heart attack. He is survived by two children Catherine J. Vayda, and William J. Vayda.

References

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  1. ^ "Jerry Vayda Basketball News & Bio". Tar Heel Times. Retrieved April 19, 2022.
  2. ^ "The University Report". www.carolinaalumnireview.com. April 1978. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
  3. ^ usabasketball.com
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