PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Summing up the life of John Chaney in a single afternoon is a difficult task. A host of friends and family members did their best.
A celebration of life for Chaney took place at the Liacouras Center on Monday afternoon. Speakers from across the basketball world, along with government officials, paid tribute to Chaney, who died at the age of 89.
All offered kind words about the legendary coach, with many talking about much more than basketball.
Aaron McKie is the current head coach of the Owls and also served as a player under Chaney. He credited Chaney for opening the door for the chance to play in the NBA and enter the coaching world.
"He was our coach," said McKie. "Our teacher, our advocate, so many words I could use to describe the man, but the one that’s most fitting for me is strength."
It was Chaney's strength which inspired so many to succeed in life as well as basketball.
Chaney's tireless efforts gave students a chance to get the education they desired. He also provided words of wisdom, which resonated for so many even after his passing. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf talked about the impact Chaney left on those who came in contact with him.
"He was a good man," said Wolf. "One who believed in the power of education and fought to help young people, and especially young people of color, to get the education they deserved."
When Chaney stepped down as Temple head coach, Fran Dunphy took over and led the Owls until McKie became the head coach last season.
Dunphy talked about the unique relationship between Chaney and Temple University.
"I was thinking about if there was another combination of coach and university that fits better than John Chaney and Temple University," said Dunphy. "I don’t know it."
Perhaps there is no greater example of Chaney's heart than his unique relationship with Kentucky coach John Calipari.
The two had an infamous confrontation when Calipari was the head coach at University of Massachusetts. After the incident, the two became close friends.
Calipari talked about his heartbreak over the loss of his former rival.
"Coach Chaney was a good man and an honorable man," Calipari said. "A teacher at heart. A giver. Funny, not when he was coaching, a funny man that looked to pick people up."