Harry Litwack Hall of Fame NBA

Harry Litwack was a cornerstone of Philadelphia basketball, a man whose career spanned the professional, collegiate, and international ranks. While he is most famous for his 21-year tenure as the head coach of Temple University, his NBA ties were foundational; he served as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia Warriors under Eddie Gottlieb from 1948 to 1951, helping guide the team during the league’s formative years.

Litwack was a tactical pioneer credited with developing the box-and-one defense, a strategy he used to lead Temple to the 1969 NIT Championship and two NCAA Final Fours. Known as "The Chief" for his friendly greeting to players and peers alike, he was celebrated for his impeccable character, having famously received only one technical foul in over 40 years of coaching.

For his tactical innovations and his status as one of the winningest coaches in college history, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1976.

Litwack's Awards & Honors

• 2 NCAA Regional – Final Four (1956, 1958)
• NIT Tournament Champion (1969)
• 4 MAC (1964, 1967, 1969, 1972)
• Philadelphia Basketball Writers Coach of the Year (1956)
• New York Basketball Writers Coach of the Year (1958)
• Maccabiah Games Gold Medalist (1957 - Team USA Coach)
• Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Champion (1964, 1967, 1969, 1972)

NBA Teams

Temple (1952–1973)