George Mikan's playing career with DePaul University, the Chicago American Gears and the Minneapolis Lakers from 1942 through 1954 left him minus only a few honors that went with being a giant of basketball.
Mikan was named the Helms Foundation's College Player of the Year in 1944 and 1945. He led DePaul to the NIT championship in 1945, when the New York City event was more prestigious than the NCAA tournament.
He won seven titles in his eight full pro seasons: the National Basketball League with the American Gears in 1947 and the Lakers in 1948, and then what are recognized now as NBA titles with the Lakers in 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953 and 1954.