Hall of Fame coach Bob Hurley Sr. visits Centenary men’s basketball team, shares lessons on championship culture
HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — The Centenary University men’s basketball team received an influential guest at a recent practice when legendary high school coach Bob Hurley Sr. stopped by to speak with the Cyclones about the values that shape championship-caliber teams.
Hurley, a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer best known for guiding St. Anthony High School in Jersey City to 28 state titles and more than 1,000 wins, focused his message on building a strong team identity, maintaining an elite work ethic and creating a winning culture.
During his talk, Hurley told players that long-term success comes from far more than raw skill.
“Championship teams are built on habits,” he said. “It’s not just about how you play under the lights, it’s about how you practice, how you prepare, and how much you care about your teammates.”
After speaking with the team, Hurley remained to observe practice, offering encouragement and feedback as the Cyclones prepared for an upcoming game. His visit brought a noticeable boost in energy and focus, said Centenary Head Coach Chris LaBelle.
“It was an incredible experience for our guys,” LaBelle said. “Coach Hurley’s success speaks for itself, but what stood out most was his passion for teaching and the importance he places on character. That’s exactly the message we want our program to embody.”
This marks Hurley’s second visit to the program in recent years. He first came to campus in 2020, moved by the story of Kyle O’Brien, then a Centenary freshman who had overcome a childhood diagnosis of a brain tumor, multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation. O’Brien later became a volunteer coach for the Cyclones while playing baseball and pursuing his degrees at Centenary.
Today, O’Brien serves as an assistant coach on LaBelle’s staff, having earned both his undergraduate and master’s degrees from the university.
