Former Sixers coach Rubin dies at 87

ROY RUBIN, known more for his ineptness as the coach of the 1972-73 Sixers than for his superb coaching at Long Island University, died Monday in Florida at age 87, according to the LIU Brooklyn athletic website.

Rubin came to the Sixers in 1972 with a reputation as a defensive genius, having written a book on the subject, and as one of the founding fathers of the Five Star Basketball Camp. But it quickly became apparent that Rubin was not cut out to be an NBA coach.

The Sixers lost their first 15 games, on the way to a 4-47 mark by the All-Star break and a 9-win, all-time NBA-worst 73 losses. After 51 games, Rubin was fired and never coached again on the college or pro level.

He moved to Florida, bought an International House of Pancakes franchise and put basketball in his rearview mirror. "I don't hold any grudges," Rubin said at the time, "but the day I came in, Billy Cunningham, the team's best player, jumped to the ABA, and things went downhill from there."

A proud man who worked with at-risk kids in Miami, Rubin wasn't used to losing.

"All the losing really eats you up," he said, "and it took me a while to get over that season."

Rubin, who is survived by his wife Marsha, will be buried tomorrow at The Star of David in North Lauderdale, Fla. The family has requested that all donations be made to the LIU Brooklyn athletic department.