Hall of fame basketball coach and longtime television and radio commentator Dr. Jack Ramsay passed away at the age of 89 on Monday.
Ramsay had been battling cancer and stepped away from the broadcast booth because of health issues last season during the NBA Playoffs. He had been working as a lead analyst for ESPN Radio’s coverage of the association. Before working for ESPN as a television and radio analyst, Ramsay totaled 864 victories over 2 decades as an NBA coach, including the 1977 championship with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Tributes have been pouring out in social media this morning…
RIP Dr Jack Ramsay: there were few better coaches, even fewer better Men. I can only hope to age as gracefully as this truly lovable guy.
— Bob Ryan (@GlobeBobRyan) April 28, 2014
Rest in peace, Dr. Jack Ramsay. True legend in the basketball world and one of my favorite NBA personalities. Will truly be missed.
— Zach Harper (@talkhoops) April 28, 2014
RIP Jack Ramsay. One of the NBA's brilliant minds, whose eloquence at the mic was a gift for all who watched and listened. He's missed.
— Josh Elliott (@JoshElliott32) April 28, 2014
RIP Dr. Jack Ramsay, who passed away today at 89. A tremendous ambassador for the game of basketball at all levels.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 28, 2014
Saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Jack Ramsay. His passion and smarts for basketball could only be topped by his greatness as a person.
— Linda Cohn (@lindacohn) April 28, 2014
RIP, Dr. Jack Ramsay. A legend in basketball circles and as kind and classy a person as you could ever meet. Will be sorely missed.
— Dan Shulman (@DShulman_ESPN) April 28, 2014
So sad to hear of Dr.Jack Ramsay passing. Class, grace, loyalty, brilliance and heart barely begin to describe him. Prayers to his family.
— MikeTirico (@miketirico) April 28, 2014
For the generation of fans that knew him mostly as a television personality, Dr. Jack was one of the most identifiable and enjoyable voices covering the NBA. His knowledge and reliability with viewers were unmatched and he’ll be remembered as one of the best ever on the sidelines and in the broadcast booth.
His son Chris, who works at ESPN.com, wrote a touching tribute which is more than worth your time to read.
[ESPN]
