Professional and College Basketball Coach. He will perhaps be best remembered for the undesirable distinction of coaching the 1972-1973 Philadelphia 76ers team, which to date holds the NBA all-time worst single season record during a full 82 game schedule. His association with basketball began as a player with the University of Louisville, where he was a contributor to the Cardinals' first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 1951. The New York native achieved legendary status during his coaching tenure at Long Island University (LIU). Along with Clair Bee, Rubin is responsible for the school's national recognition as a prominent program. During his tenure (1961 to 1972), he guided the Blackbirds to three Tri-State League titles, two Eastern Regional crowns and a bid to participate in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) in 1968. He compiled an impressive 174 win 94 loss record. This success caught the interest of the 76ers, who at the time were a floundering organization. Rubin was hired as Philadelphia's head coach in hopes of turning around a dismal period. However immediately after Rubin's hiring, star player Billy Cunningham opted to leave for North Carolina's ABA team. Other then the past-his-prime Hal Greer, the 76ers were talent-deprived and as a result, they yielded a 15 game loosing streak at the onset of the 1972-1973 season. Rubin totaled a 4 win 47 loss record in 51 games and did not survive the year. He was replaced with player Kevin Loughery who himself only recorded 5 wins leaving the 76ers with a 9 win 73 loss tally. Rubin was inducted into the Long Island University Hall of Fame in 2001.
Professional and College Basketball Coach. He will perhaps be best remembered for the undesirable distinction of coaching the 1972-1973 Philadelphia 76ers team, which to date holds the NBA all-time worst single season record during a full 82 game schedule. His association with basketball began as a player with the University of Louisville, where he was a contributor to the Cardinals' first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 1951. The New York native achieved legendary status during his coaching tenure at Long Island University (LIU). Along with Clair Bee, Rubin is responsible for the school's national recognition as a prominent program. During his tenure (1961 to 1972), he guided the Blackbirds to three Tri-State League titles, two Eastern Regional crowns and a bid to participate in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) in 1968. He compiled an impressive 174 win 94 loss record. This success caught the interest of the 76ers, who at the time were a floundering organization. Rubin was hired as Philadelphia's head coach in hopes of turning around a dismal period. However immediately after Rubin's hiring, star player Billy Cunningham opted to leave for North Carolina's ABA team. Other then the past-his-prime Hal Greer, the 76ers were talent-deprived and as a result, they yielded a 15 game loosing streak at the onset of the 1972-1973 season. Rubin totaled a 4 win 47 loss record in 51 games and did not survive the year. He was replaced with player Kevin Loughery who himself only recorded 5 wins leaving the 76ers with a 9 win 73 loss tally. Rubin was inducted into the Long Island University Hall of Fame in 2001.
Bio by: C.S.
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