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Phil Hubbard, the Canton-born former NBA player, Olympic gold medalist and University of Michigan All‑American, will be honored next month when a basketball court in his hometown is renamed for him — a public tribute that reconnects a national sports figure with the community that launched his career. The dedication recognizes both his on‑court achievements and his ongoing role mentoring young players.
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The renaming ceremony is scheduled for Aug. 8 at the Preston Young Sr. Mini Park, where organizers plan a community gathering described as a “mini park reunion,” the Canton Repository reported. The event will celebrate Hubbard’s legacy in Canton and provide an opportunity for local residents and former teammates to pay tribute.
From McKinley High to international gold
Hubbard first made headlines at McKinley High School, where he was Ohio’s player of the year in 1975 after back‑to‑back deep runs in the state tournament. As a senior he broke school scoring records and produced several standout performances in regional all‑star events, earning statewide recognition from the Associated Press and United Press International.
He continued his rise at the University of Michigan, helping the Wolverines reach the 1976 NCAA Championship Game and averaging double‑digit points and rebounds as a freshman. Hubbard was part of the U.S. Olympic team that won gold in Montreal in 1976, contributing 10 points in the final against Yugoslavia.
Professional career and coaching
After recovering from a serious knee injury suffered during the World University Games, Hubbard was selected in the first round of the 1979 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons and later played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, building a decade‑long professional career.
He transitioned into coaching, with NBA assistant roles that included stops with the Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors and Washington Wizards, and a head‑coaching appearance with the Los Angeles D‑Fenders in 2014–15. Since joining Paul VI Catholic High School’s staff in 2019, he has worked as an assistant under Glenn Farello; Paul VI’s recent seasons have produced regional and national acclaim, and Farello told High School On SI he was proud of Hubbard’s contribution and the decision to honor him back home.
- High school: Ohio Player of the Year (1975); multiple all‑star standouts
- College: All‑American (1977); Big Ten champion; key member of Michigan’s 1976 Final Four team
- International: Olympic gold medalist (1976)
- NBA: First‑round pick (1979, No. 15); decade‑long playing career with Detroit and Cleveland
- Coaching: NBA assistant roles; head coach of the LA D‑Fenders (2014–15); assistant at Paul VI since 2019
- Honors: University of Michigan Hall of Honor (1992); jersey retired by Michigan (2004); Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame inductee (2008)
Hubbard, now in his late 60s, remains active in high‑school coaching and player development. Supporters say the court renaming does more than celebrate past glory — it creates a visible role model for Canton’s youth and cements a local connection for a player whose career spanned high school stardom, Olympic success and the NBA.
Local officials and residents will watch on Aug. 8 as the community gives Hubbard a hometown honor that links present‑day players to the city’s basketball history.
