Reiner, Mark

A terrific player at New York University and an even greater coach, Reiner was twice named "Coach of the Year" at Brooklyn's Canarsie High School, where he was head coach from 1969-76. Two of his teams (1972 & 1976) went undefeated and won city championships. Reiner then coached Brooklyn College until 1992.

An outstanding shooter and ballhandler in his playing days, Mark was NYU's "Player of the Year" in 1961. His leadership skills as a player helped him blossom into an extraordinary coach who was much revered by his players. "What coach Reiner gave us went well beyond basketball skills," observed Geoff Huston, who went on to an eight-year NBA career. "He cared for us as people. He was not only my coach -- he was one of my best friends."

Birth and Death Dates:
b. June 7, 1939 - d. July 15, 1997

Career Highlights:
Born in New York, Reiner was a childhood friend of actor Havey Keitel. An excellent outside shooter and ballhandler, Mark was an All-City player while at Brooklyn's Abraham Lincoln High School. He then attended NYU (New York University) and in 1961, as a junior, was named the Violets' Player of the Year. The following year, Reiner teamed with sophomore forward Barry Kramer to lead NYU to a record of 18-4 and an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament.

In their first-round game against UMass, Reiner scored only six points but added eight rebounds and three assists to help NYU post a 70-50 victory. In the East Regional Semifinal, Reiner had another fine game with 12 points, five rebounds, and a team-high four assists, but the Violets lost to Villanova, 79-76. NYU then defeated St. Joseph's, 94-85, in the East consolation game. Reiner scored 17 points and grabbed one rebound, averaging 11.7 points per game in the tournament.

Reiner's coaching career was even more successful than his stint as a player. In addition to his two undefeated city championships at Canarsie High, Mark also took Brooklyn College to the Division III final four in 1983, and guided them into Division I before his retirement in 1992.

Origin:
New York

Career Dates:
Reiner played guard for NYU in 1962.

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