Dr. Jack Ramsay (Feb. 21, 1925 – Apr. 28, 2014) is the second winningest coach in NBA history with 864 victories. His contribution to basketball was recognized in 1992 with his induction into the Naismith Memorial National Basketball Hall of Fame.
Ramsay was recognized as a great teacher and motivator of the game going back to his coaching beginnings at St. Joseph’s and NBA stops in Philadelphia and Buffalo. But his finest work would take place in the Rose City.
Ramsay came to Oregon in 1976 to become the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers; a team which in six NBA seasons had never posted a winning record. That streak ended with the memorable NBA championship run. Under Ramsay’s coaching, the Blazers posted 453 victories and 367 defeats. His teams missed the playoffs only once.
His NBA head coaching career ended with two seasons leading the Indiana Pacers. Jack retired after 22 NBA seasons with a record of 864-783 in the pros and his 234 college wins at St. Joe’s.
After retiring from coaching Ramsay enjoyed a successful career in broadcasting and media on television, radio, and authored several books. A fitness buff for life, Ramsay swam in the ocean and occasionally would skip the team bus and walk back to team hotels following games.
He was honored with the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010 and is considered one of the top 10 coaches in NBA history.