Rick Barry’s first foray into coaching ended...
Rick Barry’s first foray into coaching ended with tears instead of cheers.
One month into the season, Barry had guided the Cedar Rapids Sharpshooters to the best record in the Global Basketball Assn. But the league folded Saturday, leaving Barry without a team.
“I’ve worked as hard as I’ve ever worked to make something happen,” Barry said at a news conference, his voice cracking. “I’m getting emotional.”
Barry, a member of the basketball Hall of Fame, had coached the Sharpshooters to a 12-4 record. He also was part owner of the team, getting a share of the franchise after the league revoked previous owner Rich Wolfe’s control of the team on Dec. 11.
“It’s been a great experience for me,” Barry said. “I didn’t realize how much this meant to me. To say I’m going to miss it is an understatement.”
Get our high school sports newsletter
Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
