Last Updated on April 15, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here is the information about Larry Foust:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Lawrence Michael Foust
  • Nickname: N/A
  • Nationality: American
  • Date of Birth: June 24, 1928
  • Hometown: Marion, Ohio, USA
  • Height: 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
  • Weight: 215 lbs (98 kg)
  • Wingspan: Not publicly recorded
  • Shoe Size: Not publicly recorded
  • Jersey Number (College and NBA):
    • #14 — Ohio State University
    • #14 — Fort Wayne Pistons
    • #14 — Minneapolis Lakers
    • #14 — St. Louis Hawks
  • Position: Center
  • High School: Marion Harding High School (Ohio)
  • College:
    • Ohio State University
  • NBA Draft:
    • Drafted by the Fort Wayne Pistons
    • Year: 1950
    • Round: 1
    • Pick: 5th overall
  • Player Archetype: Skilled Scoring Center / Interior Anchor
  • Primary Offensive Role: Primary interior scorer; relied on post moves, mid-range touch, and soft shooting mechanics
  • Defensive Role: Paint protector and rebounder; anchored the interior with positioning and size
  • Play Style: Fundamentally sound big man with scoring touch and strong rebounding instincts
  • Handedness / Shooting Hand: Right-handed
  • Athletic Profile: Good size for his era with coordination and balance; not overly explosive but highly effective with footwork and touch
  • Recruiting Status: Highly regarded collegiate player (pre-modern recruiting rankings era)
  • Draft Status Detail: High first-round pick who quickly became a multi-time All-Star and franchise centerpiece
  • Injury Status Category: No widely documented major career-altering injuries
  • Career Stage: Retired
  • Comparison Style: Comparable to traditional post scorers like Zelmo Beaty in terms of interior scoring and rebounding presence
  • Teams Played For:
    • Fort Wayne Pistons (1950–1957)
    • Minneapolis Lakers (1957–1960)
    • St. Louis Hawks (1960–1962)
  • Championship Rings: 0
  • Parents: Not publicly documented
  • Children: Not publicly documented
  • Siblings: Not publicly documented
  • Retirement Age: 33
  • Retirement Year: 1962

Larry Foust’s player archetype was that of a skilled scoring center, combining interior scoring ability with reliable rebounding and positional defense. Defensively, he functioned as a steady paint anchor, using size and anticipation to contest shots and control the glass rather than relying on elite shot-blocking explosiveness. Offensively, he was a focal point, operating effectively in the post with soft touch and polished footwork, while also extending to mid-range when needed. Physically, Foust had prototypical size for a center of his era at 6’9″, paired with coordination and balance that enhanced his efficiency. His overall play style was methodical and fundamentally driven, built on consistency, scoring touch, and a strong interior presence.

Fun Facts

  • He was an eight-time NBA All-Star and one of the most consistent centers of his era, known for his scoring and rebounding prowess.
  • He played in the NBA Finals multiple times but never secured a championship.

Sources:
NBA.com — Larry Foust Player Bio
APBR.org — Larry Foust Historical Profile Discussion
Ohio State Buckeyes — Ohio State Basketball All-Americans List