Friends of Basketball

John Niemiera

Year Inducted: 2001

Category: Friends of Basketball

Schools / Organizations: (Chicago) Weber High School
(Chicago) Little Flower High School
(Chicago) DeLaSalle High School

Biography: John Niemiera had a great career as a player at Weber High School, Notre Dame and with the Fort Wayne Pistons of the National Basketball Association. John followed his playing years with a career in education. Returning to his alma mater, Weber, Niemiera spent eight years there as a teacher and coach. He moved to Little Flower High School for a 14-year stint as athletic director and basketball coach.  Niemiera’s final stop was at DeLaSalle from 1973-87. He spent time with the Meteors as a teacher, athletic director, assistant basketball coach and intramural director. Niemiera is a member of the Weber and Chicago Catholic League halls of fame. He was recognized as man of the year by the Central Officials Association.  He also felt the game of basketball gave him a great deal of enjoyment. “It also gave me a profession I’m very proud of,” he said. “I will never be able to give back to basketball what it has given me and my family.”  His induction as a Friend of Basketball was a fitting tribute to a great career of service to student-athletes and coaches.  John has also been inducted as a player and as a coach.  He died on December 27, 2003 at the age of 82.