Bob Cousy turned 98 on Tuesday, a milestone that feels like a celebration of a life woven into the fabric of basketball. The Celtics icon, whose name still resonates in the rafters of the TD Garden, marked the occasion with reflections on a career that reshaped the point guard position.
A Trailblazer on and off the Court
Cousy’s reputation rests not only on his eight straight NBA assists titles and 13 All‑Star appearances, but also on his daring behind‑the‑back passes that became a signature move for generations of guards.
He captured six championships with Boston in the late 1950s, earned the 1956‑57 MVP award, and helped usher in a new era of teamwork that included future Hall‑of‑Famer Bill Russell and the league’s first Black players, Chuck Cooper and Sam Jones.
Beyond the hardwood, Cousy’s advocacy for civil rights was ahead of its time. He publicly defended teammate Chuck Cooper during a period of segregation, and he later championed the formation of the National Basketball Players Association, serving as its first president.
His commitment to health causes led him to devote years to fighting cystic fibrosis, raising both awareness and funds for research.
After hanging up his sneakers, Cousy spent six seasons coaching Boston College, compiling a 114‑38 record and guiding the Eagles to two NCAA tournaments and two NIT appearances, a testament to his strategic mind.
Worcester’s Enduring Tribute
His ties to Worcester run deep; he lived there for decades, raised his family, and the city honored him with a statue, a street named in his honor, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded by President Barack Obama.
Even today, his friendship with legendary coach Red Auerbach endures, having taken joint trips abroad to promote basketball globally, a partnership that transcended the coach‑player dynamic.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently described Cousy as “a true pioneer and universally respected figure in basketball history,” underscoring the lasting impact of a man who helped shape the sport’s cultural landscape.
The statue that stands in the heart of Worcester, the thoroughfare bearing his name, and the city’s ongoing gratitude for protecting his daughters illustrate how deeply the community cherishes its native son.
These tributes, alongside the Presidential Medal of Freedom, cement Cousy’s legacy not just as a basketball great, but as a civic leader whose influence rippled far beyond the hardwood.