Boston Celtics legend Bob Cousy was scheduled to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom in a White House ceremony on Thursday.
President Donald Trump was to present the nation’s highest civilian honor to the six-time NBA champion and Hall of Fame point guard in the Oval Office.
Cousy, who turned 91 earlier this month, was known as the “Houdini of the Hardwood” as he earned 13 All-Star selections during the 1950s and 1960s.
Off the court, Cousy also was known for his support of black teammates who faced discrimination during the civil rights movement.
In an interview last month with the Boston Globe, Cousy called receiving the Medal of Freedom “a finish to a life circle.”
Cousy led the NBA in assists per game for eight consecutive seasons from 1952-53 to 1959-60. Over 924 career games, he totaled 16,960 points and 6,955 assists.
He is the second Celtics player to earn the Medal of Freedom. Longtime teammate Bill Russell received the honor from President Barack Obama in 2011.
