Schenectady Star Coach Riley Always Destined for Greatnesses

In the DAILY GAZETTE, Justin Mason writes "Pat Riley would always show up for Linton High School basketball practice early, work hard and then stay late. His tireless work ethic and determination produced a career in basketball from Schenectady through the professional ranks. But it wasn't until Riley picked up a coach's clipboard with the star-studded Los Angeles Lakers that his motivation propelled him to national fame. Riley never forgot his roots. While the Lakers were planning their victory celebration on the West Coast, their coach was traveling back to Schenectady to put on a basketball clinic and an assembly for the city school district, recalled Bob Pezzano, a retired teacher and chairman of the district's Athletic Hall of Fame committee. Yesterday, Riley was selected for induction into the National Basketball Hall of Fame. He and others selected this year will take their places during a ceremony at the Springfield, Mass., hall in September." (link)