Richie Adubato, one of the pioneering figures in basketball coaching, died last month at 87. He is most often associated with his successful long term head coaching career with the Dallas Mavericks and the New York Liberty. He had significant impact when serving as interim head coach for the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons. Adubato’s coaching career, which lasted four decades in age and impact, had a lasting influence on both men’s and women’s basketball.
Adubato was born in Newark, New Jersey. He graduated from William Paterson University, where he flourished as the captain of his basketball and baseball teams. He began his coaching career on the high school level. From there, he continued down the pipeline through college basketball and eventually found his way to the NBA.
Beyond coaching, Adubato became the lead radio analyst for the New York Liberty. He served in this capacity from 2005 until 2020. His knowledge and feel for the game helped propel the team’s community outreach and youth development efforts.
Later in 1997, Adubato became interim head coach of the Orlando Magic. He moved up to this role after earning extensive hands-on knowledge in the job as an associate head coach. His time with the Magic helped shape him into a better coach. Prior to that he was the interim head coach of the Detroit Pistons for the 1979-80 season.
The basketball community has mourned him deeply, as seen by the response with tributes following his passing today. Beth Adubato remarked on his warm personality, stating, “Let’s remember him as the funny, smart, energetic, genuinely warm human being he always was.”
“The New York Liberty expressed their gratitude towards Adubato’s legacy: “With deep gratitude we remember the legacy of Richie Adubato, who guided the Liberty to 3 WNBA Finals appearances and set a standard of excellence that still inspires our organization today.”
“Richie’s legacy lives on in every story and lesson he shared – a coach who turned the gym into a place of connection and joy, impacting countless lives with warmth, humor, and unforgettable spirit.”
Dick Vitale shared a heartfelt message about their shared journey in coaching: “Today my dear friend RICHIE ADUBATO passed away. Richie was one of our ‘JERSEY BOYS’ along with Mike Fratello Hubie Brown & yours truly who all chased dreams in coaching. Richie coached on every level – HS – College – NBA. He’ll be missed but never forgotten. May Richie RIP!”
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