Fifty years ago, a group of Rutgers basketball players etched their names into history, and their legacy continues to inspire. But what if I told you that one of the most pivotal moments of their journey almost didn’t happen? On March 6, 1976, the Rutgers basketball team was en route to a make-or-break game against St. John’s at Madison Square Garden, with an ECAC title and an NCAA Tournament bid on the line. The twist? Starting forward Hollis Copeland was nowhere to be found, and head coach Tom Young was moments away from leaving without him. It took a last-minute plea from Copeland’s roommate, Mike Dabney, to convince the coach to circle the block one more time. And there he was—Copeland, sprinting behind the bus. He not only made it on time but went on to dominate the game, scoring 22 points and earning MVP honors as Rutgers clinched a 70-67 victory. That win propelled them into the East Region of the NCAA Tournament, setting the stage for their historic Final Four run.
Fast forward to today, and the 1975-76 Rutgers team remains a shining example of loyalty, resilience, and camaraderie. Last Thursday, 250 supporters and current players gathered at the annual Meet the Team banquet, which doubled as a 50th-anniversary celebration of that unforgettable season. Most of the original squad was in attendance, receiving standing ovations and commemorative varsity jackets. Yet, the absence of three beloved figures—Coach Tom Young, assistant coach Joe Boylan, and All-American forward Phil Sellers—was deeply felt, with empty chairs honoring their memory.
But here’s where it gets emotional: Current Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell, serving as emcee, struck a perfect balance between humor and heartfelt tribute. He joked about the team’s size, quipping, ‘What were they feeding you guys back then?’ but also praised their enduring bond: ‘You’re a symbol of all that is good with Rutgers. You’ve stuck together through adversity and helped each other through life.’ Pikiell’s comedic timing—worthy of a Comedy Central special—kept the crowd laughing, even as he reflected on the team’s undefeated 31-0 record leading into the Final Four. ‘I’m just trying to win one game,’ he quipped, drawing laughs and applause.
The event also highlighted the impact of the Joe Boylan Endowed Scholarship, named in honor of the late assistant coach and radio analyst. Thanks to the generosity of former player Mike MacDonald and others, over $500,000 has been raised in Boylan’s name, ensuring his legacy lives on. And this is the part most people miss: The scholarship isn’t just about money—it’s about honoring a man who embodied Rutgers’ spirit of unity and dedication.
The night was filled with nostalgia, but it also raised a controversial question: In today’s era of NIL deals and player transfers, can modern teams ever replicate the lifelong bonds forged by the 1976 squad? Mike Dabney, who averaged 19 points per game during that Final Four season, challenged the current team: ‘Don’t let them disrespect you. You have the power to rise above the rankings and make New Jersey proud.’ His words echoed the team’s singular focus and chemistry, qualities that seem rarer in today’s game.
Newly appointed athletics director Keli Zinn added a call to action, urging attendees to support the program through NIL partnerships. ‘We need to give our players the resources their competitors have,’ she emphasized, highlighting player retention as a key goal.
The evening concluded with Hollis Copeland sharing a touching story about Phil Sellers, his teammate and eventual best man. During their first practice, the two got into a scuffle and were thrown out. Instead of fighting, Sellers suggested they grab a meal. ‘That sealed our relationship,’ Copeland recalled. ‘We ended up being family.’
Fifty years later, the 1976 Rutgers team remains more than a memory—they’re a testament to what’s possible when talent, teamwork, and loyalty collide. But here’s the real question for you: Can today’s college athletes forge similar bonds in an era of constant change, or is this kind of connection a relic of the past? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts.
