Summer 2004 Edition

Hubie Brown   Michael Rosen recently nominated Hubert Jude Brown (Hubie Brown) to the Fair Lawn News Hall of Fame. (See Winter article) Brown was coach of the Fair Lawn High School basketball team in the 1960s and the offensive coordinator for its undefeated football team. Hubie has done pretty well for himself since his days at Fair Lawn High.  He became a college coach at Duke University and then an NBA Assistant coach.  In 1975, he led the Kentucky Colonels to an American Basketball Association (ABA) championship and then he got his dream job -- an NBA coach.  He led the New York Knicks to two playoff appearances during five seasons (1982-87) and led the Atlanta Hawks to three playoff appearances in five seasons (’76-81). Then, he spent the next 15 years teaching coaching clinics and serving as an NBA broadcast analyst for three television networks. In November 2002, Brown was lured back to the NBA to coach for The Memphis Grizzlies.  Known for having one of the premier basketball minds in the business, Brown didn't have a great year.  In the 2002-2003 season, he won only 28 games and lost 46.  But, this past year, the 70 year old coach led his Grizzlies to a winning season.  In only its third year as an NBA team, the Grizzlies won 50 games won and only lost 32.  And this Spring, the former Fair Lawn High School coach was named NBA Coach of the Year.    Otan Logi (he was known as Patrick Ford back in high school) has fond memories of Hubie Brown. Here's what he recently told Fair Lawn News: I had the good fortune to play football for Hubie during the fall or 1964.  It was his first year at Fair Lawn.  He came in and turned things around for the football program.  My first real interaction with him involved him bawling me out in a practice.  My assignment was to block the defensive end and I floored the player.  Hubie confronted me about using too much force on the third string defensive player.  I argued with him so he clearly and patiently explained his reasoning to me.  He was right and I got it. As a person, Hubie touched me deeply.  He pays attention to the important details, and communicates with consistency and heart.  He worked with all of us, first string as well as third string, with equal attention and respect.  It was also clear that he was in charge, and would hold all of us accountable, which he always did. After losing our first two games, we turned it around and won the rest of them.  Our team over-performed and I believe we tied for the NNJIL championship.  I was fortunate to earn first team honors All Bergen County , gaining 825 yards on 125 carries.  At the time - in 1964, it almost doubled the school's prior rushing record.  I thank Hubie and the team for that. Hubie also supported me during my wrestling career.  The wrestling team usually competed just before the basketball game and he often came over to us before practice to give us advice or support.  He also went with us to the regional and state meets which was a huge support .  I made it to the semi-finals and sprained my ankle during the match.  It hurt and I wanted to stop.  The doctor said I could continue so Hubie was there giving me encouragement and support, which was palpable.  In spite of the injury, I still almost pulled it out.  I felt devastated at first about the loss.  But he gave me an immediate perspective and helped me accept the situation and what I had been able to accomplish. I love Hubie Brown.  He touched my life and I could see he did the same with the team.      Coincidentally, the New York Knicks recently hired a new scout, Brendan Suhr.  Suhr is known as one of the top evaluators of talent in the NBA.  The 53 year old played basketball for Hubie Brown at Fair Lawn High School in the 1960's.  Brown later gave Suhr his first NBA job, as an Assistant Coach with the Atlanta Hawks.