Hall of Fame Professional Basketball Coach, Broadcaster. During the course of his career (affectionately referred to as "Dr. Jack"), he was recognized as a highly-efficient coach with an eye for detail and a strong philosophy for team work ethic. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he received a Doctorate in Education from the University of Pennsylvania and launched his lengthy career as a basketball coach on the high school level in his native city. He moved on to St. Joseph's University (1955 to 1966), where he guided the Hawks to seven conference championships which included an appearance in the "Final Four" in 1965. Ramsay compiled a 234 win 72 loss collegiate record. His success at St. Joseph's led to his being hired as the general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers and during his first year at that capacity, the team captured the NBA Championship for the 1966-1967 season. In 1968, he succeeded Alex Hannum as the 76ers' head coach (1968 to 1972) and will perhaps be best remembered for dealing away Hall of Fame players Wilt Chamberlain and Chet Walker. The transactions were lopsided resulting with the Sixers acquiring little talent in return which led to one of the darkest periods in the franchise's history. The 1972-1973 Sixers' team produced a dismal 9 win and 73 loss record which to date remains the worst total during a full 82 game NBA season. He coached the Buffalo Braves from 1972 to 1976 and the Portland Trail Blazers from 1976 until 1986. He guided the 1976-1977 Trail Blazers' squad (ironically against Ramsay's former team, the 76ers) led by Bill Walton to the NBA Title (1977). After a coaching stint with the Indiana Pacers (1986 to 1989), Ramsay retired from coaching. He compiled a 864 win 783 loss record and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992 and is a member of the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame. He was named to the NBA All-Time Coaches list in 1996. Ramsay experienced a second career as an analyst for nationally televised NBA games. Ramsay was the father-in-law of former collegiate and NBA coach Jim O'Brein. Ramsay died following a lengthy battle with cancer.
Hall of Fame Professional Basketball Coach, Broadcaster. During the course of his career (affectionately referred to as "Dr. Jack"), he was recognized as a highly-efficient coach with an eye for detail and a strong philosophy for team work ethic. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he received a Doctorate in Education from the University of Pennsylvania and launched his lengthy career as a basketball coach on the high school level in his native city. He moved on to St. Joseph's University (1955 to 1966), where he guided the Hawks to seven conference championships which included an appearance in the "Final Four" in 1965. Ramsay compiled a 234 win 72 loss collegiate record. His success at St. Joseph's led to his being hired as the general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers and during his first year at that capacity, the team captured the NBA Championship for the 1966-1967 season. In 1968, he succeeded Alex Hannum as the 76ers' head coach (1968 to 1972) and will perhaps be best remembered for dealing away Hall of Fame players Wilt Chamberlain and Chet Walker. The transactions were lopsided resulting with the Sixers acquiring little talent in return which led to one of the darkest periods in the franchise's history. The 1972-1973 Sixers' team produced a dismal 9 win and 73 loss record which to date remains the worst total during a full 82 game NBA season. He coached the Buffalo Braves from 1972 to 1976 and the Portland Trail Blazers from 1976 until 1986. He guided the 1976-1977 Trail Blazers' squad (ironically against Ramsay's former team, the 76ers) led by Bill Walton to the NBA Title (1977). After a coaching stint with the Indiana Pacers (1986 to 1989), Ramsay retired from coaching. He compiled a 864 win 783 loss record and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992 and is a member of the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame. He was named to the NBA All-Time Coaches list in 1996. Ramsay experienced a second career as an analyst for nationally televised NBA games. Ramsay was the father-in-law of former collegiate and NBA coach Jim O'Brein. Ramsay died following a lengthy battle with cancer.
Bio by: C.S.
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