Robert Sassone

Robert Sassone (May 9, 1931 – February 5, 2023) was an American college basketball player and coach.

Career Born in Brooklyn, New York, Sassone went to St. Bonaventure University on a basketball scholarship the fall of 1949. He led the team to the 1951 National Invitation Tournament as a sophomore. He was credited as the first player in college basketball history to take a charge from the opposing player, thus getting the ball for his team. He graduated in 1953

Awards Sassone is a 1990 St. Bonaventure Sports Hall of Fame inductee. Sassone led A. Lincoln HS to the New York City PSAL Basketball Championship in 1949. He was chosen to the Journal American All City first team. He led St. Bonaventure University (SBU) to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) in 1951 and 1952. He was chosen to the All NIT team in 1952. He was an Assistant Basketball coach at St. Bonaventure 1957–1961, and 1968–1982. He also took part in thirteen post season tournaments as a player and coach at SBU. He was a coach in the 1970 Final Four and the 1977 National Invitational Tournament Championship.