Michael O’Koren
Induction
2016
Graduation
1976
- A member of Hudson Catholic’s Wall of Honor and Hall of Fame, and the Hudson County Sports Hall of Fame
- 8 years of NBA playing experience and 10 years of NBA coaching experience
- Honed his basketball skills on the asphalt court of St. Joseph’s schoolyard and other Jersey City courts
- Four-year Varsity Basketball starter and all-time school leading scorer and rebounder
- Under legendary hoops coach, Rocky Pope, led Hudson Catholic to Hudson Catholic’s first Parochial A State Championship in 1976, and first Hudson County Championship in 1975
- Earned a full scholarship to the University of North Carolina, playing four years for another legendary coach, Dean Smith, earning All-America Honors three times
- Named to the ACC’s 2011 Legends Class, he is the only North Carolina player to record 1,500 points, 800 rebounds, and 300 assists
- During his tenure, the Tar Heels participated in four NCAA tournaments and the 1977 national title game
- Co-Captain of the Gold Medal USA Basketball Team at the 1979 Pan American Games
- Selected 6th overall in the 1980 NBA Draft by the New Jersey Nets
- Played eight seasons professionally for the Nets and the Washington Wizards
- Served as Assistant Coach with the Nets (1999-2003), and Associate Head Coach with the Washington Wizards (2004-2009) and Philadelphia 76ers (2009-10)
- Named an NBA All-Star Game Assistant Coach in 2002 and 2007
- Has volunteered his time to support the basketball team and program at Hudson Catholic over the years
