Benjamin N. Cardozo High School Boys Basketball Head Coach Ron Naclerio being honored on the New York State Assembly floor.
Photo courtesy of the Office of Assemblymember Edward Braunstein
Benjamin N. Cardozo High School Boys Basketball Coach Ron Naclerio was honored for becoming the winningest basketball coach in New York state, with Assemblymember Edward Braunstein introducing a New York State Resolution and welcoming him to the Capitol in Albany on Tuesday, May 5.
Naclerio passed legendary Archbishop Malloy High School Coach Jack Curran after earning his 973rd career victory, all with Cardozo High School, on Friday, Jan. 30. His visit to the New York State Capitol and Braunstein’s introduction of the Resolution took place on Queens Day.
“I was proud to invite and welcome Coach Ron Naclerio to the State Capitol and introduce a Resolution commemorating his record-breaking win,” Assemblymember Braunstein said. “Known for his no-nonsense leadership style and grit, Coach Naclerio has coached generations of young athletes and has been inducted into both the New York State and New York City Basketball Halls of Fame. Coach’s recent record-breaking win was bittersweet for me, since the record was previously held by fellow Queens basketball legend and my high school basketball coach, the late Jack Curran of Archbishop Molloy High School. I congratulate Coach Naclerio on his prodigious achievement.”
(Left to right) Aaron Ambrose, the Queens Regional Representative for Governor Hochul, Assemblymember Edward Braunstein, Benjamin N. Cardozo High School Boys Basketball Head Coach Ron Naclerio, Assemblymember Larinda Hooks and Assemblymember Khaleel Anderson on the Assembly floor in Albany. Photo courtesy of the Office of Assemblymember Edward Braunstein
Naclerio has been the head coach of the Cardozo High School boys basketball team since 1981. During his time there, he has earned multiple Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) titles and guided countless athletes, including future NBA players Duane Causwell, Rafer Alston and Royal Ivey.
“I was thrilled to be honored by the New York State Assembly and Assemblyman Ed Braunstein in Albany last week,” Coach Naclerio said. “It was the first time ever being in such an amazing place. The love shown to me brought a tear to my eye as I realize now all the things I’ve done to help our youth, besides the number of wins so many have seen. Thank you for the honor. I will always cherish that day!”
Before pursuing a career in coaching basketball, Naclerio was an All-American baseball player at St. John’s University. He ended up getting drafted by the Chicago White Sox.
Naclerio’s father, Dr. Emil Naclerio, was a surgeon who saved the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. after he was stabbed in the chest while signing copies of his first book in 1958 in New York City. Dr. Naclerio and Dr. King became good friends and remained in contact until Dr. King’s death in 1968. Today, Ron Naclerio is still in contact with members of Dr. King’s family.