 | ||||
 | Doug Gresham | |||
 | 1985 | |||
 | Athletes | |||
 | N/A | |||
 | 1948 - 1955 Paulins | |||
Doug played most of his basketball in the senior league with the
"Paulins". During his five years with the Paulins, Doug was a League All-Star in 1948, 1949, 1954, and 1955. He was a starter with the Paulins when they won the Canadian Senior Men's Championship and represented Canada at the World Championships in 1954.
While playing in the U.S.A., he received a try-out invitation in 1952 with the St. Louis "Hawks" of the N.B.A.
Below is a feature on Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Douglas T. Gresham (1985). The interview was conducted in 2009 and will be part of the future book “Frozen Hoops: Canada’s Greatest Basketball Players” by Curtis J. Phillips.
Douglas T. Gresham (1929–2015)
Basketball is more than just a game—it’s a lifelong passion.
For over six decades, this sport had been at the heart of an extraordinary journey for Douglas T. Gresham.
The journey began in 1942 when Gresham, standing 6'3", watched his first basketball game. The dazzling performance of "Snowy" Donaldson and the RAF team from Rivers, Manitoba, sparked an ambition that would shape the future.
However, Isaac Brock Junior High School (1939–1942) did not have a basketball team, leading instead to early achievements in softball and soccer. The transition to Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute (DMCI) in 1943 marked the start of a dedicated basketball career, albeit with a rocky beginning—struggling to shoot a lay-up in the first year.
Under the guidance of Coach Sid Neil, rigorous training in hand-balancing and tumbling helped develop coordination.
“I learned to shoot one-handed during gym lunch hours by myself, eating a sandwich in my off-hand,” said Gresham in a 2009 interview. “I remember not playing a single game that first year. My coach was Sid Neil, who enrolled me in hand-balancing and tumbling classes to counter-act my awkwardness and improve my coordination.”
Determined to master the game, hours of practice in the gym and under streetlights in the snow paid off, leading to a City Championship win in 1945 and 1946 with DMCI. At the same time, participation in the "Flying M" Juniors League not only resulted in a league championship but also established a friendly rivalry with Carl Ridd that would last for years.
Paulins and Collegiate Basketball
In 1947, the "Paulins" basketball team was formed, aiming to challenge St. Andrews, the perennial champions. The team found immediate success, winning the Senior League title in its first year and setting a North American record in 1948–49 by averaging 77.3 points per game. International exposure came through a three-week tour across the northern U.S., competing against top semi-pro teams.
“We played a game each day, and although tiring, gave us the level of competition that we could not get in Winnipeg. It was the exposure that I had from this trip that resulted in a full athletic scholarship from Morningside College (in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1949).”
NCAA eligibility challenges initially delayed his play in the North Central Conference (NCC).
“ When I went to Morningside in 1949, two NCC college teams protested that I was a semi-pro ball player because I had played against a number of professional teams while with "Paulins" (Minneapolis Lakers, Harlem GlobeTrotters, Bismark Phantoms, Johnson Jukes, Fort Wayne Pistons, etc.)
“ As a result, I was red-shirted for the 1949-1950 season and was not permitted to play in the North Central Conference with Morningside College until the following year. This was a big disappointment for me and my college coach, Al Buckingham, and my team mates.”
Instead the opportunity arose to join the "Jamcos" AAU team in Sioux City keeping the competitive edge sharp. Teaming with top collegiate players, an appearance in the 1950 AAU National Tournament in Denver provided invaluable experience, playing against legends such as George Yardley and the Phillips 66’ers. This period also saw the refinement of signature moves, including ambidextrous hook shots and the ability to dunk—skills that became crucial in matchups against towering seven-foot opponents.
Success at Morningside College
Returning to collegiate competition in 1950, Morningside College proved to be the perfect fit under the leadership of Coach Al Buckingham, a revered figure in U.S. basketball. Over two seasons (1951–52), the team dominated in the NCC, winning the championship and advancing to the NAIB National Tournament in Kansas City, Missouri. Memorable victories against teams like Pepperdine and Providence cemented a legacy of excellence. The personal highlight came with selections to the NCC All-Conference Team in both seasons, an Honorable Mention on the NAIB All-Star Team in 1952, and a lasting impact as one of Morningside's top career scorers.
A Lifetime on the Court
The passion for basketball extended beyond competitive play. After returning to Winnipeg in 1952 and continuing with the "Paulins" and "Kodiaks," recreational play became a staple in cities across Canada, including Vancouver, Invermere, and Kelowna. The pinnacle of this lifelong dedication was participation in the 2006 World Masters Basketball tournament in Utah, proving that the love for the game knows no age limit.
Transcribed from notes, below are Doug’s own version of his journey forward,
In 1952, my teammates and area coaches honored me with the Outstanding Athlete of the Year award, presented by the Greater Sioux City Athletic Association. This recognition was a defining moment, celebrated at a special dinner hosted by the city’s leaders.
That same year, I received invitations to attend the Milwaukee Hawks training camp, thanks to Dave Johnson, owner of the "Johnson Jukes" and "Jamcos" teams of Sioux City, Iowa. Additionally, Max Winters, owner of the Minneapolis Lakers, extended an invitation to their camp. Despite these prestigious opportunities, I declined both due to the Korean War draft, as Canadian citizens in the U.S. were required to register within three months of graduation. Unwilling to change my citizenship or be drafted, I returned to Winnipeg.
Although invited to the 1952 Olympic Trials in Manitoba, I was unable to participate as I was still engaged in post-season NAIB and AAU tournaments and completing my Business Administration degree.
Upon returning to Winnipeg, I joined Great West Life, where I advanced to Personnel Manager, overseeing recruitment and human resources planning. On the court, I rejoined the Paulins team, leading them to provincial championships in 1953 and 1954. I was named to the All-Star Team both years. In 1954, we won the National Championship and represented Canada as the Winnipeg "Canadians" at the 2nd World Basketball Tournament in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Competing in front of 36,000 fans against the USA’s Caterpillar Diesels, we secured fifth place among 15 teams. Carl Ridd and I ranked among the top ten scorers, an achievement no other country in the tournament matched. Despite high expectations, we faced seasoned teams at their peak while our Canadian season had just begun. Nevertheless, we returned home to a hero’s welcome.
Continuing with Paulins, we won the Seniors League championship in 1954-55. The following year, I joined the Kodiaks, who became Manitoba’s new basketball powerhouse. Though invited to the 1956 Olympic Trials, family and work commitments prevented my participation.
My career took me to Vancouver in 1958, where I played for a radio-sponsored team, CJOB. Work obligations led me to withdraw before the BC playoffs and Nationals. Despite this, my love for the game never wavered. From 1957 to 2006, I played recreationally in various cities across Canada, even earning a spot on Vancouver’s Masters League All-Star team in 1976.
In 1980, my wife and I embarked on a year-long backpacking trip through Europe and the Middle East. In Greece, I had the privilege of training with the national team, teaching post techniques and passing skills. Later, in Israel, I connected with members of the Macabees, an Israeli professional team, attending their practices and games.
Basketball continued to be part of my life well into my senior years. In 2006, I was invited to compete in the World Masters Games in St. George, Utah, joining a 3-on-3 team sponsored by an Ohio patron. With two former Harlem Globetrotters, John Klein and Cal Dilworth, as teammates, we won four out of five games, securing the Gold Medal in the 75+ age group. The event featured 9,500 athletes from 47 countries, making it a truly global celebration of sport.
Reflections on Basketball Teammates, Mentors, and Experiences
Notable Teammates
Carl Ridd – The finest competitor in Canadian basketball in the 1950s and my teammate. Though he possessed little natural talent, his dedication and hard work earned him every honor he attained. He was deadly accurate with his one-handed set shots.
Roy Burkett – Ten years my senior, Roy was both my mentor and close friend in the late 1940s and early 1950s. A talented and hardworking player, he adapted easily to Paulins’ fast-break style of play and was truly the "heart" of the team.
Jim Bulloch – A fierce competitor and a superb coach, Jim was exceptionally strong in strategy, discipline, and conditioning. His leadership was inspiring, making him an "unsung hero" in Canadian basketball history.
Bob Pickell – A talented post player with the Vancouver Cloverleafs, Bob was a strong rebounder with impressive skills around the basket.
Roy Williams – A hard worker with strong rebounding abilities, Roy was an integral part of the Paulins/Grads rivalry in the late 1940s. He formed a formidable one-two combination with Carl Ridd on high school, junior, and senior basketball teams.
Ole Bakken – A member of the Vancouver Cloverleafs in 1948, Ole was known for his sensational left-handed hook shot. He was a strong rebounder and post player who taught me the hook-shot skills that later became my trademark in U.S. competition.
Influential Coaches
I have been most fortunate to have been guided and inspired by outstanding coaches who took a personal interest in my growth and development:
1943 to 1947: Sid Neil – DMCI Seniors and "Flying M" of the Manitoba Junior League
1947 to 1949: Jim Bulloch – Playing coach of "Paulins"
1949 to 1952: Al "Buck" Buckingham – Morningside College
1952 to 1955: Jim Bulloch – Playing coach of "Paulins" and Winnipeg Canadians
Memorable Moments:
Holding George Mikan of the Minneapolis Lakers to 22 points while scoring 16 myself (1948).
Meeting my boyhood hero, Hank Luisetti, at the AAU National Tournament (1950).
Playing alongside All-American Jim MacIntyre on the "Jamcos" team (1950).
Receiving the Outstanding Athlete of the Year Award in Sioux City (1952).
Competing in the 2nd World Basketball Tournament in Rio de Janeiro (1954).
Induction into the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame (1985).
Coaching Canadian college players in the NBA European Summer League 3-on-3 in London (1996).
Induction into the Morningside College Hall of Fame (2006).
Winning a Gold Medal at age 77 in the World Masters Games (2006).
Notable Games:
Harlem Globetrotters vs. Paulins (1949) – Scored 31 points in two closely contested games.
Minneapolis Lakers vs. Paulins (1948) – Scored 16 points while holding Mikan to 22.
Phillip Oilers vs. Jamcos (1950) – Scored 12 points, limiting Bennett to two.
Fort Wayne ZunderPistons (1949) – No official record remains.
Hall of Fame Inductions & Recognition:
Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame (1985).
Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame (1993, unable to attend).
Morningside College Hall of Fame (2006), celebrated with former teammates and Coach Buckingham.
Gold Medalist at World Masters Games, Utah (2006).
Invited to the Ohio State Senior Olympic Trials (2007), unable to attend due to injury.
Concluding and Reflecting on my career,” I am grateful for the teammates, coaches, and experiences that shaped my journey. Basketball has taken me around the world, introduced me to remarkable people, and allowed me to compete at the highest levels. While championships and accolades are memorable, the lifelong friendships and love for the game remain my greatest rewards”.