GRAND FORKS, N.D.--He first gained prominence at the University of North Dakota, gaining All-America honors on the hardwood in 1965-66 and 1966-67 while averaging a school-record 19.9 points per game through his career. He also starred on the mound for UND's baseball team in 1965 and 1966.
Following Los Angeles' NBA title-clinching 99-86 win over Orlando last night, Lakers head coach and former Fighting Sioux Phil Jackson secured his 10th championship ring as an NBA head coach.
That is more than the great Red Auerbach. More than legendary NHL head coach Scotty Bowman. More than either Connie Mack or John McGraw.
In fact, Jackson has now won more championships than any head coach in North American pro sports modern history. According to ESPN the Magazine's Chris Broussard, Jackson has cemented his legacy as the greatest coach in NBA history. Orlando head coach Stan Van Gundy, who became Jackson's latest finals victim, agrees.
After the game, Jackson told ESPN that his latest championship is the culmination of a Lakers rebuilding process. Four years ago, when Jackson returned from a sabbatical to coach the Lakers for a second stint, he didn't believe the Lakers were championship material.
The question now is, Will Jackson return to chase an 11th championship? NBA Hall of Famer and TNT analyst Charles Barkley says no, while Kobe Bryant remains unsure.
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