BOSTON (AP) – Boston Celtics Hall of Famer Bob Cousy is selling off his memorabilia collection, including his 1957 NBA championship ring and MVP trophy and a letter from President Eisenhower asking him to lunch at the White House.

Also among the 155 lots in this month’s online auction are his uniform from the 1952 All-Star game and a collection of 2,500 canceled checks bearing his signature.

The top item, with an opening bid of $15,000, is a lithograph of the 50 greatest NBA players from the league’s first half-century.

The man they called “Houdini of the Hardwood” said he’s doing it for his children.

“We want to leave something for them after my wife and I are gone,” he said. “I am honored that basketball fans remember me and think some of these things are important enough to collect.”

Cousy won six NBA titles with the Celtics from 1957-1963. In his 13 seasons, Cousy played in 13 consecutive All-Star games – winning two All-Star MVPs – and set 13 playoff records. He led the league in assists eight years in a row and finished his career with a season with 6,955 assists and 16,960 points.

Should every item get a bid, the auction would raise more than $117,000.

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On the Net:

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AP-ES-11-03-03 1623EST