Larry Costello's journey in professional basketball is marked by his dual roles as both a player and a coach. Born in Minoa, New York, Costello attended Niagara University, where he honed his skills on the court. His collegiate performance caught the attention of the NBA, leading to his selection by the Philadelphia Warriors in the 1954 NBA Draft. However, it was with the Syracuse Nationals that Costello truly began to establish himself in the league.

As a player, Costello was known for his exceptional shooting ability and defensive prowess. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch, he played as a guard and was particularly noted for his accurate set shots and free-throw shooting. His playing career spanned from 1954 to 1968, during which he spent the majority of his time with the Syracuse Nationals, who later became the Philadelphia 76ers. Costello's tenure with the 76ers was highlighted by an NBA Championship win in 1967, a team that featured legends like Wilt Chamberlain. His leadership on the court was instrumental in guiding the team to victory.

Costello's playing career was not without its challenges. He suffered a significant injury in 1965, tearing his Achilles tendon, which was a serious setback at the time. Despite this, he made a remarkable return to the court, demonstrating his determination and skill. Over his playing career, Costello was selected as an NBA All-Star six times, underscoring his status as one of the league's top guards during his era.

Transitioning from player to coach, Costello took on the role of head coach for the Milwaukee Bucks in 1968. His coaching career was marked by immediate success. In just his second season, he led the Bucks to an NBA Championship in 1971, a team that featured the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson. Costello's coaching style was characterized by a focus on discipline and fundamentals, which resonated well with his players and contributed to the team's success.

Costello continued to coach the Bucks until 1976, after which he had brief coaching stints with the Chicago Bulls and the Milwaukee Does of the Women's Professional Basketball League. His coaching career, much like his playing career, was defined by his strategic understanding of the game and his ability to inspire and lead his teams.

Throughout his time in basketball, Larry Costello was respected for his knowledge of the game and his ability to adapt to different roles within the sport.

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