Richie Adubato, the veteran coach who left his fingerprints on the NBA and WNBA for four decades, died Thursday at 87, his family announced Friday.

"Let's remember him as the funny, smart, energetic, genuinely warm human being he always was," his daughter, Beth, wrote.

Adubato became a New York basketball staple with the Liberty from 1999-2004, steering the franchise to three WNBA Finals. He still holds the club mark for games coached (178) and ranks second in wins (100) while guiding future Hall of Famers Teresa Weatherspoon and Becky Hammon.

"With deep gratitude we remember the legacy of Richie Adubato, who guided the Liberty to three WNBA Finals appearances and set a standard of excellence that still inspires our organization today," the Liberty said in a statement on X. "Our heartfe

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