Raphael Eugene "Ray" Kuka (February 17, 1922 – March 27, 1990) was an American professional basketball player.^[1] He played in the Basketball Association of America for the New York Knicks during the 1947–48 season and part of the 1948–49 season.^[1] Kuka also served briefly as the Knicks' interim head coach for a few games in February 1949.^[2] Joe Lapchick, the regular head coach, was hospitalized to treat a stomach disorder.^[2] Kuka had also previously served as a team scout.^[2]

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Ray Kuka

Kuka in 1948
Personal information
Born	(1922-02-17)February 17, 1922 Havre, Montana
Died	March 27, 1990(1990-03-27) (aged 68) Havre, Montana
Nationality	American
Listed height	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Listed weight	200 lb (91 kg)
Career information
High school	Havre (Havre, Montana)
College	Notre Dame (1940–1942) Montana State (1946–1947)
BAA draft	1947: undrafted
Position	Forward
Number	12
Career history
As player:
1947–1949	New York Knicks
As coach:
1949	New York Knicks (interim HC)
Stats  at NBA.com
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com

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Kuka played in college for Notre Dame before being drafted into the United States Air Force for World War II.^[3] After World War II he returned home and played for Montana State, where he earned all-conference honors.^[3]

Following his playing career, Kuka returned to hos hometown of Havre, Montana, where he was a successful high school coach and teacher.^[4]