Holy Cross Greats Inducted into New England Basketball Hall of Fame

The New England Basketball Hall of Fame honored its 2003 inductees on September 19, 2003 in the Ryan Center at the University of Rhode Island. The College of the Holy Cross proudly congratulates the following inductees: George Blaney '61, Division I Men's Coach Blaney was the head men’s basketball coach at Holy Cross from 1972 - 94. He served the College longer than any other mentor and coached the Crusaders in 633 contests. Blaney played professionally with the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Bill Gibbons, Division I Women's Coach Holy Cross women’s basketball coach since 1985, Gibbons has led the Crusader’s to nine Patriot League championships in the last 13 years. With an overall record of 380-157, Gibbons helped the women’s basketball team to more victories than any other coach. He was named Patriot League Coach of the Year six times.

Amy O’Brien ’99, Division I Women's Player O’Brien is the second leading scorer in Holy Cross Women’s basketball history with 2, 075 career points. She earned the Patriot League Player of the Year title twice and was a three-time First Team All-Patriot League team member.

Togo Palazzi ’54, Division I Men's Player Palazzi was co-captain of the 1954 men’s basketball team. A two-time All-American, Palazzi scored 1,633 career points at Holy Cross. He was a first-round pick for the Boston Celtics in 1954.

Lester "Buster" Sheary, Division I Men's Coach Sheary was the head men’s basketball coach at Holy Cross from 1948 - 55. During his seven years as coach he compiled a .811 winning percentage and coached Crusader greats Tom Heinsohn, Bob Cousy, Togo Palazzi and Ron Perry. Fifty-three of Sheary’s players have coached in the prep, collegiate, or professional ranks.

The following members of the Holy Cross community were honored for excellence in basketball prior to coming to Holy Cross:

* Ann Zelesky, associate athletic director at Holy Cross (former) Head High School Girl’s Coach - St. Peter Marian High School (Mass.) * Bob Curran ’48 High School Player - St. John’s High School (Mass.) * Jim McCaffrey ’86 High School Player - Rutland High School (Vt.) * Ron Teixiera ’69 High School Player - Catholic Memorial High School (Mass.)