Jack Ramsay, Who Led Blazers to 1977 N.B.A. Title

Dr. Jack: voluble.

Jack Ramsay as coach of the Portland Trail Blazers in 1977. He led the team to an N.B.A. title that season. Credit Associated Press  

 

Lionel Hollins, a guard on the Blazers’ 1977 championship team and later a coach of the Grizzlies, first in Vancouver and then in Memphis, described Ramsay’s approach after being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in 1980.

“Jack taught me the fundamentals,” Hollins said. “Making the right pass at the right time, defense, how to concentrate and become a more disciplined player.”

Bill Walton, the star center on the Blazers’ championship team who had played for John Wooden on N.C.A.A. championship teams at U.C.L.A., called Ramsay “the very best coach I played for, and I played for some great coaches.” Ramsay was intense, whether badgering referees or plotting strategy during timeouts, kneeling on a towel, a balding figure with bushy eyebrows and an intimidating glare.

He was also a physical-fitness buff, doing daily calisthenics, jogging and swimming, even into his 80s while being treated for cancer.