The Cooz, immortalized in bronze (with pics and video)

These words are written on the base of the bronze statue unveiled during yesterday's emotional ceremony (holycross.edu):

As a legendary athlete, his creative genius and skills catapulted the Crusaders to national prominence and transformed his beloved Boston Celtics into a celebrated professional basketball dynasty. A man respected for his commitment to assisting those in need and for his inspirational efforts to eradicate racism, Bob Cousy will forever reflect the values that the College of the Holy Cross endeavors to instill in its sons and daughters.

ROBERT J. COUSY, THE HUMANITARIAN

His actions have demonstrated time and again that he would fihgt for social justice, help the impoverished and put his arm around a young boy or girl in need. He emerged as a national leader in the Big Brother/Big Sister movement, bringing many youngsters into his home. Bob helped raise substantial funding for innumerable programs that benefit the disadvantaged. After his playing and coaching days, Bob remained in the limelight as a highly respected television commentator, an author of several books and a goodwill ambassador for basketball.

THE COOZ, AN ATHLETE WITH FLAIR

A standout on the Holy Cross 1947 NCAA Championship team.
A charter member of the Holy Cross Varsity Club's Hall of Fame.
A three-time All-American at Holy Cross.
The man who transformed basketball into an art form.
Inducted in 1971 into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Pioneer who ignited the NBA's international success.
Captain of the legendary Celtic dynasty.
"Mr. Basketball" sparked Boston to six NBA titles.
An NBA All-Star for all 13 seasons of his career.
All-Star game MVP in 1954 and 1957.
NBA Most Valuable Player in 1957.
In 1996 named one of the 50 best NBA players of all time.
Coached professional and collegiate basketball.

BY JOHN W. GEARAN '65

Mister Cousy adds a little levity to the festivities (there was one biting jab he made that I wish I had gotten on video, but instead I'll try to paraphrase it here for posterity's sake: I heard that they were originally going to put this statue in front of Dinand Library, but I nixed that idea quickly, or else I would've never been able to find the damn thing!)

Cousy acknowledges the sculptor of the statue

Cousy is humbled by the experience

Cousy applauds the Holy Cross athletics program ... just don't let Bill Simmons hear about this (sports.espn.go.com)

The actual unveiling, performed by Cousy, his wife, and two daughters