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Sykes Reed

1904 – 1972

American basketball player

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About Sykes Reed

Lived 1904 – 1972 (aged 67). Sykes Reed was an American basketball player and dentist.

Wallace Sykes Reed (December 14, 1904 – March 21, 1972) was an American basketball player and dentist, best known for his All-American college career at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt).

Sykes came from Braddock, Pennsylvania, where he played basketball for Braddock High School with future Pitt teammate Stash Wrobleski. The two came to Pitt to play for future Hall of Fame coach Doc Carlson and, in the 1927–28 season, were both starters on the Panthers' first undefeated team. Reed captained the team and at the end of the season was named an All-American along with teammate Chuck Hyatt. The squad finished the season 21–0 and would later be honored as historical national champions by both the Helms Athletic Foundation and the Premo-Porretta Power Poll.

Following his basketball career, Reed became a dentist and refereed local basketball and football games. He died of an apparent heart attack while playing golf in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Education
University of Pittsburgh
Awards
Helms Athletic Foundation
Also known as
Wallace Sykes Reed

People in Sykes Reed's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Sykes Reed's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Sykes Reed?

American basketball player (1904-1972)

When was Sykes Reed born?

Sykes Reed was born on 14 December 1904 in Braddock.

When did Sykes Reed die?

Sykes Reed died on 21 March 1972 in Fort Lauderdale.

What was Sykes Reed's occupation?

Sykes Reed was a basketball player and dentist.

What nationality was Sykes Reed?

Sykes Reed was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Sykes Reed

· Wikidata: Q21069966

· DBpedia: Sykes Reed

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Sykes Reed. https://biography.guide/sykes-reed/

MLA: "Sykes Reed." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/sykes-reed/.

Chicago: "Sykes Reed." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/sykes-reed/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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