Men's Basketball Coach Herb Magee to be Inducted into Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame

Herb Magee, Philadelphia University’s legendary men’s basketball coach and the winningest NCAA DII coach in history, will be inducted as part of the fifth class into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame this fall.

Magee, a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame nominee, is fourth on the list of winning coaches across all NCAA divisions, behind only Bobby Knight, Dean Smith and Adolph Rupp, and is the only one of that group still active. 

“For a guy like me who grew up in Philly and who lives in this city, to be included on a list like this is certainly an honor,” Magee said at a press conference at the Wachovia Spectrum to announce the new inductees.

Magee, who is entering his 42nd season as coach of the Rams, led the team to an NCAA National Championship in 1970, his third year of coaching.  In his 41 years as head coach, Magee has taken his team to the NCAA Tournament 23 times.  During that time, he’s had 28 twenty-plus win seasons and one 30-win season.

In addition to racking up 855 career wins as coach, Magee was the top scorer in Rams’ history when he finished his college-playing years at what was then Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science.  Today, he remains the Rams third all-time high scorer with 2,235 career points. 

“Herb Magee is special.  He has committed his entire professional life to his teammates, players, the sport and Philadelphia University,” said Philadelphia University President Stephen Spinelli Jr.  “Fifty years as a player, assistant coach and head coach inspiring this institution is unique and remarkable.  Herb’s importance to the sport of basketball is highlighted by his induction.  This is one of many honors he has and will receive.  He has a lot of games left to win!”

In addition to Magee, the 2008 Hall of Fame inductees include 76ers coach and former player Maurice Cheeks, former Phillie Ed Delahanty, former Eagles Al Wistert and Harold Carmichael, golf champion Dorothy Porter and the 1929 Philadelphia Athletics team.  The induction ceremony will take place Nov. 13 at the Hyatt Regency Penns Landing.  

“The Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame represents the elite of Philadelphia’s sports icons – professional athletes, coaches and sports writers,” said Tom Shirley, director of athletics and women’s basketball coach at Philadelphia University.  “It’s fitting that Herb is being recognized among his peers for his achievements.”