Temple basketball coach Bill Courtney dies ‘suddenly’ aged just 55 with college left ‘shocked and heartbroken’

TEMPLE assistant coach Bill Courtney has died “suddenly” at the age of 55.

Emotional tributes are being paid to the Virginia native, who coached Cornell between 2010 and 2016.

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Bill Courtney was a much-loved member of the college basketball community

Courtney finished last season as interim coach at MiamiCredit: Getty

Temple confirmed Courtney’s passing but have not provided details of his death.

Coach Adam Fisher said: “I am shocked and heartbroken by the tragic news and passing of my close friend Bill Courtney.

“Bill made such a big impact on our program in such a short time. He was one of the most respected coaches in the country — thoughtful, prepared and deeply committed to the game and to winning the right way.

“Bill made every program he touched better, and his loss is felt profoundly by everyone who knew him.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bill’s family during this extremely difficult time.”

Temple athletic director Arthur Johnson added: “I was shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing of coach Bill Courtney.

“In the short time that he has been part of the Temple family, I saw the impact that he had on our program with the joy that exuded from him on and off the court.

“He will be missed by his immediate family, his Temple basketball family, and the greater basketball community.”

Tributes are pouring in for the Virginia nativeCredit: Getty

Courtney joined Temple in June last year after spending five seasons at Miami.

The much-loved coach made the NCAA tournament three times in Florida and spent the end of last season as Miami’s interim coach.

His coaching career also included stops at American, Bowling Green, George Mason, Providence, Virginia, Virginia Tech and DePaul.

Courtney enjoyed a strong collegiate playing career at Bucknell and graduated in 1992.

American Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti said Courtney made a “profound impact” as a coach, and the lasting effect he had on student-athletes will be his “ultimate legacy”.

Cornell said Courtney was a “bright light” and will be “greatly missed”.

Harvard coach Tommy Amaker called Courtney “a tremendous coach, a trusted colleague, and an exemplary ambassador for college basketball”.

Plattsburgh State head coach Mike Blaine wrote: “I learned many things from Bill and will miss his enthusiasm for life, people, and basketball.”