John Bucci, a longtime coach and fixture of the Northeast Pennsylvania high school and youth basketball scene, had died.
Bucci, 57, was pronounced dead at his home today shortly after 1:30 p.m. from what appears to be natural causes, according to Lackawanna County Coroner Tim Rowland.
Bucci, owner of Backcourt Hoops, is best known for coaching Bishop Hannan to the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Class 2A boys basketball championship in 2002 with future Syracuse University star Gerry McNamara as the state’s top player.
Under Bucci, the Golden Lancers also advanced to Class 1A state championship games in 1999 and 2000 and a Final Four in 2001.
Bucci, also a radio and television commentator, grew Backcourt Hoops into a premier program for the development of youth basketball players.
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