Hubie Brown embarked on his first college coaching journey in 1968, unaware that he would also be navigating the realm of education. During his inaugural year as an assistant coach at William & Mary, he found himself teaching two elective basketball courses. Now at the age of 91, as he prepares for his final appearance as a sports broadcaster, the essence of teaching in basketball continues to be his passion. Over the last 55 years, his audience has expanded from college students to a global community of players, coaches, and television viewers.
“It’s quite extraordinary; he has probably educated more individuals about basketball than anyone else in history,” said Mike Breen, his broadcasting partner. Brown and Breen are set to present the ABC telecast of the upcoming game featuring Philadelphia and Milwaukee— a pivotal matchup for Brown, who started his NBA career as an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks back in 1972, sharing the court with legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson.
Throughout the subsequent five decades, Brown seamlessly transitioned between coaching and broadcasting, earning a spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005 for his significant contributions to the sport. Over his 35-year career as a national analyst in both TV and radio, he has called 18 NBA Finals games. Despite this extensive experience, he admits he still feels a familiar wave of nerves before each game, including the one on Sunday, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation— which for him involves watching each team play multiple times in advance.
“You’re always going to be nervous,” Brown stated. “That’s just who I am. I focus on myself, wanting to create an enriching experience for the fans and elevate their understanding of the game. It’s about the collaboration with the team around you, not just me.” He likens the dynamic between his colleagues, including the director and producer, to his coaching days, emphasizing the strong bond formed through preparation and teamwork.
Former players, like Hall of Famer Bernard King, recognize the coaching elements that Brown brings to his broadcasting role. “Listening to him was a treat, as he stood out from other broadcasters,” King noted of his time playing under Brown with the New York Knicks during the 1984-85 season. “For fans who appreciate the nuances of basketball, he articulates the ‘how’ and ‘why’ behind each play, transforming the viewing experience into a learning opportunity rather than just entertainment. That’s a hallmark of his broadcasting style.”
Listeners over the years have become familiar with some of Brown’s signature phrases, including referring to the lane as “the painted area” and suggesting strategies with an emphasis on “you must.” Breen fondly recalls, “One of my favorite things was when he was genuinely excited about a play. He would exclaim, ‘That’s it! That’s it! That’s it!’ But you could also hear it in his voice when he was frustrated with the team’s performance.”
Brown’s meticulous attention to detail as a coach led to specific plays being created for scenarios, such as when an opponent missed a free throw. “We had a play called power right, where the forward would sprint down the left side, cut across the lane, and post up on the right block,” King explained. Brown has always believed in giving credit to the coaching teams behind successful plays, recognizing the effort that goes into preparing players.
Initially, Brown had no experience or aspirations of working in television when he was first approached by USA Network in 1981. After spending a year back in coaching with the Knicks, he shifted back to broadcasting until he took another coaching position with Memphis in 2002, where he earned his second NBA Coach of the Year award. Even after concluding his stint with the Grizzlies, he wasn’t done imparting his wisdom.
In 2006, during his first time calling the NBA Finals for ABC, Breen felt the weight of the occasion and tried too hard to adjust his commentary for new viewers. At a timeout, while the teams received instructions, Brown leaned in and advised him, “Just call the game as you always do, and we’ll be fine.” This encouraged Breen, helping him relax into the flow of the game.
As Brown prepares for his final game this Sunday, he is certain to feel support, especially after a difficult year marked by personal losses. “He doesn’t seek out accolades or tributes,” Breen shared. “Our goal is for him to approach the game as he always has, sharing his insights while ensuring we honor his legacy, as he has dedicated his life to the sport of basketball.”
