The death of Richie Adubato, former Mavericks and Liberty coach
The American basketball world as a whole is in mourning. Former coach of Pistons, Mavericks, Magic and New York Liberty, Richie Adubato died on Thursday at the age of 87, his family announced on social media.
A key figure in women’s basketball in the late 1990s, Richie Adubato managed the Liberty between 1999 and 2004, leading the franchise to three WNBA Finals appearances. In six seasons at the head of the team, he won 100 matches and to this day remains the coach with the highest number of matches in the franchise (178 matches played). Under his command, two legends of women’s basketball: Teresa Weatherspoon and Becky Hamon.
“It is with deep gratitude that we remember the legacy of Richie Adubato, who led the Liberty to three finals and established a culture of excellence that continues to inspire us today”he praised the New York franchise at social networks.
Long career between NBA and NCAA
Before her adventure in the WNBA, Adubato had a four-decade career on the NBA bench. Interim coach of the Pistons during the 1979-80 season, then took over the reins of the Mavericks between 1989 and 1993. He later became the Magic’s interim coach in 1997 after several years as an assistant. He then continued his career in the media, as a TV consultant for Magic matches from 2005 to 2020.
“Richie transformed every room into a place of joy and sharing.” », Enter the leaders of Magic press release. « His legacy lives on through every story, every lesson imparted and the memory of a warm and passionate man. »
A native of New Jersey, Adubato began his coaching career in high school and then college, where he spent 18 years before joining the NBA. A graduate of William Paterson University, he was captain of the basketball and baseball teams there.
Visual : NBA Coaches Association
2025-11-09 09:30:00
