Introduction
Vince Boryla was a legend in the world of basketball. He was part of some of the greatest teams in history, including the New York Knicks, where he won an NBA championship as a player in 1953. He went on to become a coach and played a significant role in shaping the careers of some of the game’s biggest stars. However, what many people don’t know is that after his death in 2016, the world discovered that he had amassed a considerable fortune, much of which had been hidden from the public eye.
Section 1: Early Life and Career
Vince Boryla was born on March 11, 1927, in East Chicago, Indiana. He attended the University of Denver, where he played college basketball, and was drafted by the New York Knicks in 1949. Boryla played forward for the Knicks for six seasons and became an NBA All-Star in 1953. After retiring from playing in 1956, Boryla became a coach, serving as an assistant for several teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, before becoming the head coach of the Denver Rockets in 1967.
Section 2: Investing in Real Estate
After retiring from coaching in 1973, Boryla turned his attention to real estate investing. He purchased several properties in the Denver area, including a shopping center and a strip mall. These investments turned out to be incredibly profitable, as the region experienced significant population growth over the years, and the value of the properties increased many times over.
Section 3: Business Ventures and Partnerships
Vince Boryla also ventured into business partnerships and started several successful ventures. One of his most significant partnerships was with Vic Lombardi, a sports anchor and reporter. Together, they opened an Italian restaurant in Denver called Lombardi/Boryla Italian Restaurant. The restaurant became a popular spot in the city, and it was rumored that many of Boryla’s famous friends would often dine there when in town.
Section 4: Sports Memorabilia Collection
Apart from his investments in real estate, Boryla also had a passion for sports memorabilia. He had an extensive collection of items, including signed jerseys, basketballs, and photos, some of which were from his playing days. The collection was estimated to be worth several hundred thousand dollars.
Section 5: Hidden Fortune Unveiled
Vince Boryla passed away in March 2016 at the age of 89, and much to the surprise of many, his estate was revealed to be worth around $15 million. It was reported that Boryla had kept much of his wealth hidden, even from his family, and they were shocked by the extent of his fortune.
Section 6: Legacy and Contributions
Vince Boryla was a pioneer in the game of basketball, both as a player and coach. He played a significant role in shaping the careers of many of the game’s biggest stars, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson. Boryla’s contributions to the sport have not gone unnoticed, and he was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame in 1986 and the University of Denver Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003.
Section 7: FAQs
Q1: How did Vince Boryla make his fortune?
A1: Vince Boryla made his fortune through astute investments in real estate, successful partnerships, and his passion for sports memorabilia.
Q2: Was Vince Boryla’s fortune entirely hidden?
A2: It has been reported that much of Vince Boryla’s wealth was kept hidden, even from his family.
Q3: What was Vince Boryla’s most profitable investment?
A3: Among Vince Boryla’s most profitable investments was a strip mall in Denver that he purchased in the 1970s.
Q4: Did Vince Boryla ever return to coaching?
A4: No, Vince Boryla retired from coaching in 1973 and focused on his business ventures and investing.
Q5: What other business ventures did Vince Boryla have?
A5: Vince Boryla had several business ventures, including a partnership with sports anchor Vic Lombardi to open an Italian restaurant in Denver.
Q6: What was Vince Boryla’s sports memorabilia collection worth?
A6: Vince Boryla’s sports memorabilia collection was estimated to be worth several hundred thousand dollars.
Q7: What was Vince Boryla’s legacy in basketball?
A7: Vince Boryla was a pioneer in basketball, playing a significant role in shaping the careers of some of the game’s biggest stars and was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame and the University of Denver Athletics Hall of Fame.
Conclusion
Vince Boryla was a legend in the world of basketball, but his accomplishments went far beyond the court. He was a savvy investor, successful businessman, and had a passion for sports memorabilia. Boryla’s hidden fortune was only discovered after his death in 2016, but his legacy and contributions to the game of basketball and beyond will always be remembered.