Senate Resolution No. 1651
BY: Senator TEDISCO
HONORING Willie Deane upon the occasion of being
inducted into the Schenectady School District
Athletic Hall of Fame
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
outstanding athletes who have distinguished themselves through their
exceptional performance, attaining unprecedented success and the highest
level of personal achievement; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Willie Deane upon the occasion of being inducted into the Schenectady
School District Athletic Hall of Fame on Monday, September 16, 2019, at
Glen Sanders Mansion, Scotia, New York; and
WHEREAS, A four-year basketball starter at Schenectady High School,
Willie Deane averaged 23 points, seven rebounds and five assists per
game on the 1998 NYSPHSAA Championship team which finished its
outstanding season with an overall record of 28-1; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, during the 1998 season, Willie Deane was
instrumental in Schenectady High School capturing the Big Ten, Section
II and Regional titles; he was named 1998 State Tournament MVP and as an
All-Tournament selection in the 1998 Federation Tournament; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Willie
Deane was named the 1997-98 Times Union Player of the Year, 1998 USAToday Honorable Mention All-American and McDonald's All-American
nominee; he was also named Purdue's John Wooden Team MVP as both a
junior and senior; and
WHEREAS, As a 1,500 point scorer in high school, Willie Deane
continues to hold the Schenectady High School career scoring record; and
WHEREAS, Willie Deane went on to become a member of the Boston
College Basketball Team as a freshman before transferring to Purdue
University where he led in scoring, steals, made 3s, 3-point shooting
percentage, made free throws and free throws attempted as a junior; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious college basketball career,
Willie Dean led the Big Ten in scoring in overall games in 2001-02, and
was named Big Ten Basketball Player of the Week several times; he was
also named as one of 36 players on the Senior CLASS Award Watch List and
led Purdue in scoring as a senior; and
WHEREAS, Willie Deane was instrumental in the Purdue University
Basketball Team advancing to the second round of the 2003 NCAA
Tournament; in addition, he played in the 2003 National Association of
Basketball Coaches All-Star game in New Orleans; and
WHEREAS, With a successful 15-year career playing pro basketball
overseas, Willie Deane won three Bulgarian Championships, one Bulgarian
Cup, a French Championship and an Italian Championship; and
WHEREAS, Willie Deane has been an inspiration to countless
basketball fans, as well as to the community-at-large, and accordingly
merits recognition and applause for his tremendous passion for the game
and his competitive spirit; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such outstanding athletic accomplishments are brought to
our attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Willie Deane upon the occasion of being inducted into the
Schenectady School District Athletic Hall of Fame, and for his
extraordinary accomplishments which were a tribute to his skill,
dedication and commitment; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Willie Deane.
