Chemeketa Mourns the Passing of Legendary Basketball Coach Rick Adelman

SALEM, Ore. — Chemeketa Community College and the Athletic Department, alongside the broader basketball community, are deeply saddened by the passing of former men's basketball head coach Rick Adelman at the age of 79. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Adelman family, including his wife of 56 years, Mary Kay, and their six children—among whom is their youngest son, Patrick, a former Chemeketa student-athlete and current assistant coach.

A Legacy of Excellence at Chemeketa

Following a seven-year playing career in the NBA that concluded in 1975, Adelman transitioned into coaching. He took the helm of the Chemeketa men's basketball program for the 1977–78 season and remained through 1982–83.

During his stellar six-year tenure, Adelman transformed the program into a regional powerhouse:

• Amassed an incredible record of 141 wins and only 39 losses.

• Captured three region championships.

• Inducted into the Northwest Athletic Conference Hall of Fame in 1993 in recognition of his coaching achievements at the college.

From Chemeketa to the NBA Hall of Fame

After his successful stint at Chemeketa, Adelman moved to the NBA ranks, becoming an assistant coach for the Portland Trail Blazers under the legendary Jack Ramsay with the team Adelman had previously played for from 1970 to 1973.

After five and a half seasons as an assistant, he was promoted to head coach of the Trail Blazers. This marked the first of five head coaching stops during an illustrious 23-year NBA head coaching career. He retired at the conclusion of the 2013–14 season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, finishing his career with 1,042 NBA victories, ranking him 10th all-time in league history.

His monumental contributions to the sport were immortalized with his induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021, followed by the prestigious NBCA Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023.

A Lasting Impact on Student-Athletes

Though his coaching tenure at Chemeketa was just one chapter of his historic career, the college always held a special place in his heart. Adelman deeply valued the opportunities Chemeketa provided to young, aspiring student-athletes.

He remained actively connected to the campus community for decades, helping raise vital funds for athletic scholarships through the Adelman Classic Golf Tournament. The tournament ran for 28 years before concluding in 2018. Through his enduring time, dedication, and generosity, Coach Adelman fundamentally impacted and supported the lives of countless student-athletes.

He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will forever remain a part of Chemeketa Athletics.

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