Richie Adubato, a former coach for the Dallas Mavericks, Orlando Magic, and New York Liberty, has passed away at the age of 87. His family announced his death on social media.

Adubato coached the New York Liberty from 1999 to 2004, leading the team to the WNBA Finals three times and holding the franchise record for games coached with 178. He achieved 100 victories while mentoring future Hall of Famers Teresa Weatherspoon and Becky Hammon.

The Liberty organization honored him, stating, “With deep gratitude, we remember the legacy of Richie Adubato, who set a standard of excellence that still inspires us today.”

Adubato also served as interim head coach for the Magic in 1997 and was a radio analyst for the team from 2005 to 2020. The Orlando Magic expressed their sadness, noting his impact on countless lives through his warmth and humor.

His coaching career spanned four decades, including tenures with the Washington Mystics and interim roles with the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic. Before his NBA career, Adubato coached high school and college basketball in New Jersey.

He graduated from William Paterson University, where he captained both the basketball and baseball teams.