After he had served, he played for the Philadelphia Sphas of the American Basketball League for one season.

He then went to play for the Philadelphia Warriors in the first season of the Basketball Association of America in 1947.

The Warriors beat the defending champion Syracuse Nationals in five games to advance to their first NBA Finals since 1948.

In the Finals, the Warriors beat the Fort Wayne Pistons in five games to win their first championship in nine years.

In his second year, he led them to a 37–35 record, finishing three games behind the eventual champion Boston Celtics in the Division.