Longtime National Basketball Association coach, general manager, and president Arnold "Red" Auerbach died on October 28, 2006, at age 89. Born in Brooklyn, NY on September 20, 1917, Auerbach was the son of Russian-Jewish immigrant parents. He enrolled in George Washington University and graduated before serving as a captain during World War II in the U.S. Navy. Following his service, he was hired by the Washington Capitols as an assistant coach. During his tenure with the Capitols, Auerbach led the team to a World Professional Basketball Tournament in 1946. In 1950, the Tri-Cities Blackhawks hired Auerbach as its head coach and general manager. Auerbach soon returned to the Washington Capitols and led the team to two consecutive championships. In 1957, Auerbach became the head coach of the Boston Celtics, a role in which he would remain until 1966. Not only did Auerbach help the Celtics to seven championships during his tenure, but also he revolutionized the sport by creating full-court pressing defense and fast-breaking offense. He had a winning record of 938-479 and led the Celtics to 11 championships as a head coach and general manager. Auerbach is also credited with drafting Bill Russell, who is widely considered to be one of the greatest players in NBA history. Auerbach was known as much for his personality and wit as his success on the court. He was named NBA Coach of the Year in 1965, and NBA Executive of the Year in 1980. Auerbach was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1969 and was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former president George W. Bush in 2006. He is survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.