He was known to a generation of ESPN Radio listeners and Miami Heat fans as an analyst, but for old school NBA fans, Dr. Jack Ramsay was a great coach and a purveyor of team basketball. He died today at the age of 89 from cancer.
His passion for teaching the team concept as the coach of the Trail Blazers won scores of fans in the Portland area especially after leading them to the 1977 NBA Championship defeating the Philadelphia 76ers four games to two. With Bill Walton, Maurice Lucas, Dave Twardzik, Lionel Hollins, Lloyd Neal and others, the team ensured that all five players on the court touched the ball before shooting. Walton could either shoot or pass and be positioned in the high post. It was wonderful basketball.
And Blazermania still lives on in Portland thanks to the Blazers and Dr. Jack.
He coached at St. Joseph’s in Philadelphia, then went to the NBA where he helmed teams in Philly, Buffalo, Portland and Indiana.
He eventually moved to South Florida where he became an analyst on Miami Heat games and also worked on ESPN Radio calling games with his good friend, the late Jim Durham.
Ramsay loved talking basketball. He never talked down to the audience and was always fair in his analysis.
ESPN President John Skipper issued this statement on Ramsay’s passing:
“The entire ESPN family is saddened by the loss of our beloved NBA analyst Dr. Jack Ramsay. It was our great pleasure to work with Dr. Jack and his energy and zest for life resonated in all that he did. He leaves an amazing legacy of helping fans understand and appreciate the game he loved. Our thoughts are with his loved ones, including his son Chris, a respected member of our ESPN family.”
Ramsay’s funeral is scheduled to be held on Thursday.
