Legendary Coach Bob Hurley Sr. Pays a Visit to Centenary University Men’s Basketball Team

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, Dec. 3, 2025— The Centenary University men's basketball team received a special visit recently, as legendary high school coach Bob Hurley Sr. stopped by practice to speak with the Cyclones about the values that define championship-level teams. Hurley, a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer best known for leading St. Anthony High School in Jersey City to 28 state titles and over 1,000 wins, shared his insights on building a winning culture, maintaining an elite work ethic, and developing a strong team identity.

During his talk, Hurley emphasized that true success comes from more than just talent; it's rooted in consistency, accountability, and selflessness. “Championship teams are built on habits," he told the Cyclones. "It's not just about how you play under the lights, it's about how you practice, how you prepare, and how much you care about your teammates.”

Following his remarks, Hurley stayed to observe practice, offering feedback and encouragement as the Cyclones prepared for an upcoming matchup. His presence brought an extra layer of energy and focus to the gym, leaving players and coaches alike inspired, said Centenary Head Coach Chris LaBelle. "It was an incredible experience for our guys," LaBelle said. “Coach Hurley's success speaks for itself, but what stood out most was his passion for teaching and the importance he places on character. That's exactly the message we want our program to embody.”

This is Hurley’s second visit to Centenary’s basketball team in recent years. In 2020, Hurley was inspired to visit campus by the story of Kyle O’Brien, then a Centenary University freshman who had been diagnosed with a brain tumor at 8 years old. O’Brien overcame several surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation, going on to coach basketball and baseball in high school. After arriving at Centenary, O’Brien signed on as a volunteer coach with the Cyclones team, which included then-junior Chris LaBelle. Today, O’Brien is a Cyclones assistant coach on LaBelle’s staff and holds undergraduate and master’s degrees from Centenary.

ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY

Centenary University was founded in 1867 by United Methodists and offers extraordinary learning opportunities that empower students to develop intellectually, emotionally, and interculturally—keys to career and personal success. The University aspires to advance its reputation as a world class institution offering innovative programs, including the world’s first Ph.D. in Happiness Studies and first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, to lift the future for our students and local communities.