Robert "Bob" McKeen
PHS Class of 1951
After transferring to Piedmont Junior High School in 1946, Bob began to show that he was a great athlete in the making. He played all sports really well, but was a great basketball player. He played four years on the Piedmont High School varsity team and was an absolute mainstay during his junior and senior years of 1950 and 1951.
During the 1950 season, Bob and his team (all were in the junior class) defeated Berkeley High School on Piedmont's home court. Piedmont had not accomplished this feat in any sport versus Berkeley High School during the preceding five years. During his senior year he led the Highlanders to a victory over St. Mary's High School of Berkeley that was ranked number one in northern California, won the Alameda County Athletic League (ACAL) Championship and the Norcal Tournament of Champions. Bob, at 6 7-1/2" and 215 pounds led in both scoring 9 and rebounds while gaining AII-County honors. During Bob's senior year he also participated on the Highlander track and field team (coached by "Brick" Johnson) where he won the ACAL shot put event.
After graduation he went on to become a four-year starter on the University of California, Berkeley basketball team. McKeen became Cal's all-time basketball scoring leader during his AII-America senior season of 1955, and his 1,654 points remained the standard for 32 years, until Kevin Johnson broke it. McKeen remains Cal's all-time leading rebounder with 1,034. He was a three-time all PCC Southern Division selection.
After being drafted to play professional basketball, Bob decided that other career plans took precedence. He was a successful real estate businessman and served as a member of the Oakland City Council for four years.
Links:
https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Bob-McKeen-Star-Athlete-At-Cal-Ex-Oakland-2786570.php
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_McKeen
Cal Bears Hall of Fame - https://calbears.com/sports/2016/6/27/210281408.aspx