As reported by ESPN.com last night, former Portland Trail Blazers coach Jack McCloskey has passed away at the age of 91. Most famous for bringing together the “Bad Boys” championship teams as the General Manager of the Detroit Pistons from 1979 to 1991, McCloskey served as the Blazers’ head coach in the 1972-73 and 1973-74 seasons. In his later years he suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease, passing on Thursday night. He is survived by his wife, Leslie.
A press release from the Trail Blazers features Founding President Harry Glickman remembering McCloskey:
“The world of sports lost one of its greatest competitors in the death of Jack McCloskey.