Kean University

Sam Chernetsky attended Newark Normal School (now Kean University) from 1933 to 1936, when the college was still granting three-year degrees. During those three years, and in the years that followed, Chernetsky established himself as one of the greatest basketball players in the nation.

The records from Chernetsky's era are sketchy, but it is known that he was the captain of the 1935-1936 basketball team, leading the team in scoring that year, and in all likelihood, the two previous seasons as well. Chernetsky's game-winning buzzer beater against Trenton Normal School, and his team-high 21 points versus Newark Tech highlighted that 1935-1936 season.

While at Newark Normal, Chernetsky was also a member of the table tennis team in 1934-1935, a member of the gymnastics squad and vice president of the Science Club, as well as a member of the Glee Club, Mixed Chorus and Library Council.

Following his graduation from Newark Normal, Chernetsky distinguished himself in his two years at Montclair Normal School (now Montclair State University), leading the Indians (now Red Hawks) in scoring both seasons, compiling 441 points in the process. The Indians were 35-8 with him in uniform from 1936 through 1938.

Basketball did not end there for Chernetsky, however. He went on to play professionally for the Hebrew Club of Newark, where he competed against such teams as the Harlem Globetrotters, New York Renaissance (with Chuck Connors) and Kate Smith's Celtics (which became the Boston Celtics). A fine all-around athlete, Chernetsky, who later shortened his name to Chernet, was also a Golden Gloves boxer and referee. In addition, he is also a member of the City of Newark Hall of Fame.

Chernetsky earned a degree in elementary education in 1936.