Jack McCloskey was a prominent figure in the world of basketball, having made significant contributions to the sport as a player, coach, and executive. He began his career as a player at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a standout guard and helped lead the team to the Final Four in 1953. After college, he played professionally for a few years before transitioning to coaching.

McCloskey's coaching career began at the high school level, where he had a successful stint at his alma mater, West Catholic High School in Philadelphia. He then moved on to coach at the college level, with stops at Pennsylvania, Wake Forest, and the University of Pennsylvania. He also spent time coaching in the NBA, serving as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers.

However, it was as an executive that McCloskey truly made his mark on the sport. He served as the general manager of the Detroit Pistons from 1979 to 1992, during which time he built the team into a championship contender. He made a number of key moves, including drafting Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars, and acquiring players like Bill Laimbeer and Dennis Rodman. Under his leadership, the Pistons won back-to-back NBA championships in 1989 and 1990.

McCloskey's success with the Pistons earned him widespread recognition and respect within the basketball community. He was named the NBA Executive of the Year in 1984 and was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1996. He also served as the president of the Minnesota Timberwolves from 1992 to 1995.

Throughout his career, McCloskey was known for his keen eye for talent and his ability to build winning teams. He was a beloved figure in the basketball world, and his contributions to the sport will be remembered for years to come.

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