Monday, April 4, 2011
Posted: 4:54 p.m.
By Ryan Feldman
CSNPhilly.com Contributor
HOUSTONWhat do 922 wins, a Division II National Championship and a legendary 44-year coaching career equal? Induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Philadelphia University basketball coach Herb Magee was announced Sunday as a member of the Hall of Fames Class of 2011, along with Dennis Rodman, Chris Mullin, Tex Winter, Tara VanDerveer, Artis Gilmore, Arvydas Sabonis, Teresa Edwards, Reece Goose Tatum and Tom Satch Sanders.
Its just a tremendous feeling, said Magee.
Magee, also known as the Shot Doctor, is the all-time men's winningest basketball coach in NCAA history. He broke the record by passing Bobby Knights 902 wins during the 2009-10 season.
Along with his 1970 National Championship, he has 25 NCAA tournament appearances, was named National Coach of the Year twice, was honored with the NABCs Guardian of the Game Award, and was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 1979 and the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.
There was only one honor missing from Magees resumethe Basketball Hall of Fame. Despite coaching at a Division II school, it was only a matter of time before the Hall of Fame took notice.
News
The guys that are basketball guys know about Philadelphia University and Herb Magee, the Hall of Fame coach said.
It seems that Magees inclusion in the Basketball Hall of Fame may have been long overdue, but Magee does not feel that way.
I thought it would be nice but you never want to compare yourself to anybody else, Magee said. Certainly, winning more games than anyone has ever won would make the Hall of Fame take notice.
But I never really thought that I deserved it.
Magee has a resume full of honors and achievements, but he said being inducted into the Hall of Fame surpasses any individual honor hes ever received.
Last year, Phillies President Dave Montgomery honored me by asking me to throw out the first pitch for opening day, Magee explained. This takes precedence over that. This is the highlight of my career.
Magee was ecstatic when he got the phone call this past Wednesday to find out he would be indeed be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
When I first got the word, Hall of Fame President and CEO John Doleva was supposed to call me at 2. I had just gotten out of the shower. I picked up the phone and he said Coach Magee, this is John Doleva from the Hall of Fame. Congratulations. So I thought he was congratulating me on being a finalist, so I said Well, thank you very much. He said, No, youre a member of the Class of 2011. So Im running around the room pumping my fist, trying to be cool. But as the days and hours go by, it means more and more.
The 69-year-old coach, who has amassed 922 wins in 44 seasons, said hes definitely not ready to retire yet.
I have no desire at all to retire, Magee said. I wish we were starting practice next week. I look forward to coaching. I look forward to being with youngsters and trying to teach them the game of basketball.
Im not even close to retiring.
Magee stated that he will ask former Sixers and St. Joes coach Jack Ramsay and former Temple coach John Chaney to present him into the Hall of Fame.
The Basketball Hall of Fames Class of 2011 is a true global representation of the game of basketball, said Jerry Colangelo, Chairman of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Board. These distinguished players and coaches have made an impact at all levels worldwide and they have motivated, taught and inspired future generations to succeed both on and off the court.
There were earlier reports that former Sixers guard Maurice Cheeks would be included in the Hall of Fame Class of 2011, but Cheeks did not receive enough votes and fell short of induction.
To be elected, finalists require 18 of 24 votes from the Honors Committee for election into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Sixers coach Doug Collins had nothing but kind words to say when he found out Magee had been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Sometimes guys who dont coach at the D-I level or are not out there in the spotlight or on TV sometimes get lost in the shuffle when it comes to recognition, Collins said. I dont know anybody in Philadelphia whos devoted themselves more to basketball than Coach Magee. Im very, very happy for him. Hes a great teacher, hes a gentleman, and for him to represent the city of Philadelphia. I think thats absolutely fabulous.
Magee and the Class of 2011 will be enshrined in Springfield, Mass. on Aug. 12.
E-mail Ryan Feldman at rfeldman@thehoopsreport.com