WHEREAS, Aaron McKie was born in Philadelphia on October 2, 1972. He attended and played basketball at Simon Gratz High School, where he led his team to the 1990 Philadelphia Public League Championship, their first in over 50 years; and
WHEREAS, McKie went on to attend Temple University and played guard under coach John Chaney. McKie is one of the greatest men’s basketball players in Temple University’s rich basketball history, compiling 1,650 points for the Owls in his illustrious three-year career. Other accomplishments during his collegiate stint include three NCAA Tournament trips and an Elite 8 appearance in 1993. Playing honors include being named the 1992-1993 Atlantic 10 Conference and Philadelphia Big 5 Player of the Year, while averaging over 20 points per game that season; and
WHEREAS, After Temple, McKie went on to the National Basketball Association, being selected 17th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 1994 NBA Draft. His NBA career spanned 13 seasons, including playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers. In the 2000-2001 Season with the 76ers, McKie helped guide the team to an Eastern Conference Championship and won NBA Sixth Man of the Year Honors; and
WHEREAS, Following the conclusion of his playing career in 2007, McKie served as an Assistant Coach for the 76ers until 2013. He then returned to Temple University in 2015, serving as Assistant Coach and Associate Head Coach under the leadership of Fran Dunphy; and
WHEREAS, In April of 2019, McKie was named Head Coach of Temple University’s Men’s Basketball Team after Fran Dunphy’s retirement; and
WHEREAS, McKie will coach his first game as Head Coach on November 5, 2019; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and honors Aaron McKie as he begins his first season as Head Coach of Temple University’s Men’s Basketball Team.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Aaron McKie as evidence of the sincere appreciation and admiration of this legislative body.
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