Lester Yellin
American college basketball player and coach
About Lester Yellin
Lived 1935 – 1987 (aged 51). Lester Yellin was an American basketball coach and basketball player.
Lester Yellin (May 22, 1935 – March 11, 1987) was an American basketball player and coach at St. Francis College in Brooklyn.
Biography Yellin was a member of the St. Francis Brooklyn Terriers men's basketball team from 1954 to 1958. Over 96 games, he averaged 11.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. He was a member of the St. Francis team that made it to the semifinals of the 1956 National Invitation Tournament.
Yellin was the head coach at his alma mater from 1969 to 1973, compiling a record of 37–59. During his final season, he was under unusual stress due to the death of his parents in a plane crash. On February 6, 1973, he took a swing at referee Ed Warren after being ejected in a game against Le Moyne. Yellin was assessed 4 technical fouls, which helped seal the win for Le Moyne. Yellin resigned as head coach at the end of the season, but was convinced by Jacksonville head coach Bob Gottlieb to take an assistant job. According to Gottlieb, he believed that the change of scenery following his parents' deaths would help Yellin, "but it seemed to have the opposite effect". Yellin resigned after one season for personal reasons.
Yellin returned to Brooklyn, where he remained until his death on March 11, 1987 at the age of 51. He was survived by his wife and two sons.
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Important facts
People in Lester Yellin's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Lester Yellin's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Lester Yellin?
American college basketball player and coach (1935–1987)
When was Lester Yellin born?
Lester Yellin was born on 22 May 1935.
When did Lester Yellin die?
Lester Yellin died on 11 March 1987.
What was Lester Yellin's occupation?
Lester Yellin was a basketball coach and basketball player.
What nationality was Lester Yellin?
Lester Yellin was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Lester Yellin. https://biography.guide/lester-yellin/
MLA: "Lester Yellin." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/lester-yellin/.
Chicago: "Lester Yellin." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/lester-yellin/.
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