Paul Theron Silas (July 12, 1943 – December 11, 2022) was a retired NBA player and former NBA head coach from Oakland.
Silas was born in Arkansas in 1943 to Leon Hunter Silas and Clara Mae Smith (Silas). The family came to Oakland in 1953. 1 Silas was cousins with The Pointer Sisters; their mother Sarah Silas Pointer was his aunt.
He attended McClymonds High School, (1957-1960) where he was a star player, a central character in McClymonds’ glory years of the late 1950s and early ’60s. Mack won 110 of 111 games during one stretch, won the prestigious Tournament of Champions in six consecutive years (1958-63) and earned the nickname “School of Champions.”
Silas led the Warriors to the titles in 1958, ’59 and ’60. He was named to the All-TOC team in ’59 and ’60 and landed California player of the year honors as a senior in 1960. He was selected as a Parade All-American in 1960. 2
His brother William Silas was also a star player, but died in 1963 at age 25. 1
Links and References
- Paul Silas on Wikipedia
- William H. Silas obituary Oakland Tribune March 21, 1963
- The All-America high school team Sunday Gazette-Mail (Charleston, WV) March 27, 1960
- Paul Silas, McClymonds High alum and former NBA All-Star, Dies At 79 SF Chronicle December 11, 2022 (subscription needed)
- Paul Silas, ex-NBA All-Star, head coach from Oakland, dies at 79 East Bay Times December 12, 2022
