SPRINGFIELD, MASS. – The Basketball Hall of Fame Family celebrates the life and mourns the passing of legendary Celtics player and coach, Tommy Heinsohn. Enshrined as a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1986 and 2015 as both a player and coach respectively, Heinsohn has passed away at the age of 86.
“Making his mark with the storied Boston Celtics franchise as both a player and a coach, Tommy Heinsohn is certainly a legend of the game,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “He had the tough and gritty heart of a winner, as evidenced by his eight titles in nine seasons as a player. But what really set him apart was his desire to improve and lead those around him toward a common goal. He proved to be a true players’ coach, respected and admired by many, but especially the people of Boston and Celtics fans everywhere.”
Heinsohn was just the fourth person ever elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and coach. In nine seasons as a starting forward with the Boston Celtics, Heinsohn won eight NBA titles. Drafted in the first round by the Boston Celtics in 1957, Heinsohn captured Rookie of the Year honors. Despite playing among Boston’s basketball greats, Heinsohn led the Celtics in scoring from 1960 to 1962 and appeared in six NBA All Star Games. From 1961 to 1964 Heinsohn made the All-NBA Second Team each year. While at Holy Cross, he was named an All-American in 1955 and 1956 and led the Crusaders to the 1954 NIT championship. After his playing career ended, Heinsohn became the head coach in Boston in 1969, leading the Celtics for nine seasons. He was named NBA Coach of the Year in 1973 and led his team to NBA titles in 1974 and 1976. Heinsohn continued his relationship with Celtics fans as a beloved broadcaster until his death.
About the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was born, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving and celebrating the game of basketball at every level – men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches and contributors, both domestically and internationally. The Hall of Fame museum is home to more than 400 inductees and over 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Nearly 200,000 people visit the Hall of Fame museum each year to learn about the game, experience the interactive exhibits and test their skills on the Jerry Colangelo "Court of Dreams." Best known for its annual marquee Enshrinement Ceremony honoring the game’s elite, the Hall of Fame also operates over 70 high school and collegiate competitions annually throughout the country and abroad. For more information on the Basketball Hall of Fame organization, its museum and events, visit www.hoophall.com, follow @hoophall or call 1-877-4HOOPLA.