August 23, 2007

Former Knicks player Bill "Butch" van Breda Kolff, a successful player and coach at the both professional and collegiate levels, passed away on Wednesday after a long illness in Spokane, Wash. He was 84.

Known as both Butch and Bill during his early playing days, Van Breda Kolff, was born in 1922 in Montclair, N.J., and was a member of the Knicks from 1946 to 1950. His tenacious style endeared him to both fans and teammates.

Van Breda Kolf retired as a player and moved on to the coaching ranks in 1951. He would go on to post a 482-272 coaching record in 28 college seasons. He began his coaching career with at Lafayette, leading the Leopoarts from 1951 to 1955, before heading to Hofstra, Princeton (where he coached future Knicks star Bill Bradley), and the University of New Orleans.

Van Breda Kolff is best known for his Los Angeles Lakers squad of the late 1960's. He guided the likes of Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West and Elgin Baylor to the finals twice, losing to the Boston Celtics both times.

He also coached the Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, New Orleans Jazz, the ABA's Memphis Tams, and the New Orleans Pride of the defunct Women's Professional Basketball League. He retired with a lifetime 287-316 records over 10 seasons in the pro ranks.

Van Breda Kolff's son Jan also played and coached at both the college and pro levels, including a stint with the New Jersey Nets after spending several seasons in the ABA.