One of New York City’s most cherished basketball greats, Cal Ramsey, who passed away in March, had been an assistant coach with the New York University men’s basketball team since the Violets returned as a Division III program in 1983-84.
During his time with the team, Ramsey helped lead the Violets to an overall record of 607-324 (.652), including 25 postseason appearances.
In 2017-18, NYU posted a 10-14 overall record and a 3-11 mark in the ultra-competitive University Athletic Association (UAA). In 2016-17, the Violets posted a 7-18 overall record and a 2-12 mark in the UAA with a roster that included nine freshmen.
In 2015-16, the Violets posted a 21-6 record with a 9-5 (third place) mark in the UAA. NYU received a postseason berth for the 10th-consecutive season and advanced to the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament.
In 2014-15, the Violets went 19-9 overall, 8-6 in the UAA and advanced to the Championship Game of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Metro Tournament. .
In 2011-12, Ramsey helped NYU record one of the most successful seasons in school history, as the squad earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1997-98. The Violets went 21-6 overall, 9-5 in the UAA, and reached the second round of the NCAA’s. They hosted their first-round contest at the Coles Sports Center, defeating Misericordia University 84-65 for their first NCAA win in 15 seasons.
For their efforts, Ramsey and the rest of the staff went on to earn UAA Coaching Staff of the Year honors.
Ramsey, who also served NYU as Assistant Director of Alumni Relations for 20 years, received the NYU President's Alumni Achievement Award in 2004 for his contributions to his alma mater.
A 1959 graduate of NYU’s School of Commerce with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, Ramsey earned All-America status as a senior. He still holds a number of Violet hoops records, including rebounds in a game (34 vs. Boston College), season rebound average (19.6), career rebounds (1,101), and career rebound average (17.5). He is 11th on NYU’s all-time scoring list with 1,275 points.
Following his collegiate career, Ramsey went on to play for the NBA’s St. Louis Hawks, New York Knicks and Syracuse Nationals. He currently works for the Knicks as Director of Special Events and Community Relations Representative.
Also a former television commentator for the Knicks and the City University of New York, as well as a radio analyst for St. John’s University, Ramsey was inducted into the NYU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1978 and into the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame in 1994.
Ramsey’s dedication, service and contributions to the New York City basketball scene did not go unnoticed. In 2002, he received the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) Man of the Year Award, while in 2005 he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association (MBWA). Then, in 2010, Ramsey became the second recipient of the Dick McGuire Legacy Award in recognition of the “pride, tradition and class” displayed during his many years of service to the Knicks’ organization.
Ramsey was honored twice in 2012. The Sports and Arts in Schools Foundation, which “engages students in mind and body”, presented him with its Champions Award. In addition, Ramsey received the first ever New York City Sports Legend Award from the Alumni Varsity Association of City College.
Ramsey also served on the advisory board of the Frank McGuire Foundation, which provides grants to high school coaches who exemplify the spirit and qualities that McGuire displayed during his coaching career. Ramsey also participated on the Board of Trustees for the Children’s Aid Society and was a member of the Friar’s Club.
Ramsey was a native of Selma, AL.
