On the recordOctober 26, 2015
We lost a good man, mentor, and coach this past weekend with the passing of Flip Saunders. While the veteran NBA coach grew up in the Cleveland, Ohio, area, he will forever be a true Minnesotan to many of us. It started with his career as a player at the University of Minnesota, where he started over 100 games for the Golden Gophers. After his playing career was over, he began his coaching career at Golden Valley Lutheran College before working his way up to the NBA. Flip coached the Minnesota Timberwolves to their first winning season, their first playoff appearance, and to an appearance in the Western Conference finals. More than accolades, though, Flip was a mentor to many. The outpouring of grief from players, coaches, sportswriters, and fans shows just what he meant to those who knew him. Mr. Speaker, Flip Saunders was a basketball icon in Minnesota, and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Debbie and their four children. ____________________
