Legendary basketball player, coach, and sportscaster known for his charismatic commentary and 8 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics.
Tom Heinsohn, affectionately known as "Mr. Celtic," is a legendary figure in the world of basketball, synonymous with the Boston Celtics franchise. With a six-decade-long association with the team as a player, coach, and broadcaster, Heinsohn is an integral part of the Celtics' rich history and tradition.
Born on August 26, 1934, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Heinsohn moved to Union City, New Jersey, during his elementary school years. He became a standout player at St. Michael's High School and later accepted a scholarship to Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. At Holy Cross, Heinsohn became the school's all-time leading scorer with 1,789 points, averaging 22.1 points per game. In his senior year, he scored a school-record 51 points in a game against Boston College, averaging 27.4 points per game and 21.1 rebounds per game for the season.
In 1956, Heinsohn was chosen as the Boston Celtics' regional draft pick. In his first season, he played in the NBA All-Star Game and was named the NBA Rookie of the Year. During his playing career with the Celtics from 1956 to 1965, Heinsohn won eight NBA championships, including an unprecedented seven in a row from 1959 to 1965.
Heinsohn began his coaching career with the Celtics in 1969, leading the team to two NBA championships in 1974 and 1976. He coached the Celtics for nine seasons, compiling a record of 427-263 (.619 winning percentage). Heinsohn was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach in 1976.
After retiring from coaching, Heinsohn transitioned to broadcasting, becoming the color commentator for the Celtics' local broadcasts alongside play-by-play commentator Mike Gorman. He spent over 30 years in this role, earning a reputation for his charisma, loyalty, and knowledge of the game.
Heinsohn's numerous awards and accolades include:
Heinsohn's iconic status extends beyond his impressive basketball résumé. He is known for his memorable quotes, including: "Get on the glass!" and "I'm not a coach, I'm a Celtic!"
In his later years, Heinsohn remained an integral part of the Celtics' organization, attending games and participating in pre-game ceremonies. He passed away on November 9, 2020, at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most beloved and respected figures in Boston Celtics history.
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