Hall of Fame
Thomas A. Downey ’70 – Class of 1997
The coach-on-the-floor…
The chalkboard’s Xs and Os reduce the fluid and unpredictable actions of ten players to a rigid perspective that barely reflects the reality of basketball. A point guard is called upon to transpose chalkboard concepts onto the intricate web of on-court spatial relationships and players’ capabilities that compose a fast break or a developing play – and make the right decision.
The ability to do so, game-after-game, seemingly through instinct, in a manner that makes the exceptional appear routine, is floor leadership. No coach demanded more heady play than Le Moyne’s legendary Tom Niland. And no player was more adept at making the right decisions than his classic point guard. He made his teammates better players. He averaged double-figures in scoring and consistently led the team in assists. He was Niland’s coach-on-the-floor for magnificent Dolphin teams that earned back-to-back NCAA bids.
The lead see-saws with Division I University of Buffalo as a tournament bid hangs in the balance…an outlet pass…at mid-court he dribbles behind his back, eludes a defender and picks up another…again behind the back…a rifle pass…a Le Moyne layup. The crowd explodes. Buffalo will never regain their stride.
He was an intense competitor who set high standards for himself and his team. When the pressure was on he was at his best. And he always performed with flair.
Le Moyne is battling Assumption College in Worcester…focused only on the ball, he leaps to keep a ball in bounds…momentum carries him into the crowd and he winds up next to a nattily-dressed gentleman…straight-faced, with no change in demeanor, he straightens the man’s tie and returns to the court…
Le Moyne’s coach-on-the-floor played Niland’s game: hard at both ends of the court. He could not be intimidated. He instinctively knew the system and how to make it work best in any given situation. He knew his teammates’ spots and he could consistently get the ball to people in the position for their personal high-percentage shots.
“He always seemed to make the play when we needed one. You always knew if you could get open, Tom would find you.”
After his all-ECAC career at Le Moyne he earned a Masters degree in Education and Sports Administration and coached at the high school level, then earned a Law Degree and entered municipal finance, first in New York City and later in San Francisco. With his wife Janice and children he has built a career of distinction – and a reputation as a family always ready to support local sports and community activities.
The coach-on-the-floor for some of Le Moyne’s most successful basketball teams, Thomas A. Downey ’70 is inducted to the Le Moyne College Athletic Hall of Fame.
February 7, 1997
