A shoutout to Herb Magee

It's funny how things come around sometimes.

The first time I wrote about Herb Magee was just over two yeas ago, when the legendary Philadelphia University coach passed Clarence "Big House" Gaines and set a new record for Division II wins.

It was so long ago relative to Philly.com's history that the content management system in which stories were kept at that time no longer exists. The old blog platform is still standing in a closet somewhere, but barely.

I haven't written about Magee since then. But it's time to do something about that, especially because I won't be able to get to tonight's game that could be his 903rd career win.

If the Rams beat Goldey-Beacom College in Northeast Philadelphia tonight, Magee will pass Bob Knight's Division I record of 902 victories. From there, only Northern State's Don Meyer's current mark of 922 wins is left before Magee sets the all-time record.

Coincidentally, the news broke last night that Meyer is retiring at the end of this season. So you have to think Magee will pass him some time soon, health permitting.

Daily News photographer Sarah Glover has put together a neat video in which Magee offers a few of his legendary shooting tips. I'll defintely watch it, not least because I could use the help.

I've never been any good at basketball. Just ask Dan Harrell after I chucked up a bunch of airballs between games at the Palestra this past Saturday.

But there's no question that Herb Magee is incredibly good at playing and coaching the game of basketball. We can probably all learn a thing or two from him.

In addition to Sarah's video, there's a photo gallery chronicling Magee's career as a player and coach.

I've also put together a list of all the articles about Magee that have run in the papers over the last few days. Check it out below.

There's one other thing I want to share. Magee set the Division II wins record so long ago that the College HoopsCast was still in existence at the time. On the show that week, I talked about Magee's landmark with Mike Jensen, and he said this:

When this is done, his health permitting, mark it down: Herb Magee is going to be the all-time winningest coach in college basketball. Because he's going to keep going, and going, and going, and winning, and winning, and winning. So this is another step on the way, another milestone.

Consider it marked. If you don't believe me, the audio file is in the player below.

Tuesday, February 23

Magee remains focused on eve of hoops mark by the Inquirer's Keith Pompey
Hoop dream by the Inquirer's Editorial Board
It could be quite a Knight for Philly coaching legend Magee by the Daily News' Chuck Bausman

Monday, February 22

Phila. U's Magee set to eclipse Knight with 903 wins by the Associated Press' Dan Gelston

Sunday, February 21

Philadelphia U's Magee has made victory routine by the Inquirer's Ashley Fox
Philadelphia U.'s Magee ties coaching mark by the Inquirer's Keith Pompey

Friday, February 19

Philadelphia University's Magee on verge of milestone by the Daily News' Dick Jerardi

Sunday, February 14

Philadelphia U.'s Magee gets 900th coaching win by the Inquirer's Rick O'Brien

Friday, February 13

Phila. U's Magee closes in on 900 career wins by the Daily News staff