Assemblyman Braunstein Recognizes Coach Ron Naclerio’s Record-Breaking Achievement with NYS Resolution
(l-r) Aaron Ambrose, the Queens Regional Representative for Governor Hochul, Assemblyman Braunstein, Ron Naclerio, and Assemblymembers Hooks and Anderson are photographed on the Assembly Floor.
Albany, NY – On Tuesday, May 5, Assemblyman Braunstein introduced a New York State Resolution and welcomed Benjamin N. Cardozo High School Coach Ron Naclerio to the State Capitol in recognition of his recent record-breaking achievement: his 973rd career win, making him the all-time winningest basketball coach in NYS history. The Resolution was introduced on Queens Day in Albany.
“I was proud to invite and welcome Coach Ron Naclerio to the State Capitol and introduce a Resolution commemorating his record-breaking win,” said Assemblyman Ed Braunstein. “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.”
“I was thrilled to be honored by the New York State Assembly and Assemblyman Ed Braunstein in Albany last week,” said Coach Ron Naclerio. “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!”
Naclerio has coached the Benjamin Cardozo High School boys basketball team since 1981, earning multiple PSAL titles and guiding countless young athletes. He coached several NBA greats: Duane Causwell, Rafer Alston and Royal Ivey.
Naclerio has deep New York City roots. He is the son of surgeon Dr. Emil Naclerio, who saved the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. after he was stabbed in the chest signing copies of his first book in 1958. Dr. King and Dr. Naclerio became friends and stayed connected until Dr. King’s death ten years later. Naclerio stays in contact with members of the King family.
Prior to coaching, Naclerio was an All-American baseball player at St. John’s University and was later drafted into the Chicago White Sox organization.