In college basketball, the scene of an African-American coach cutting down nets to celebrate a national title is nothing new.

They both carved out sterling reputations as military and political leaders over years of public service.

John Chaney, one of the nations leading Black coaches and a commanding figure during a Hall of Fame basketball career at Temple, has died. “Coach Chaney was like a father to me,” McKie said. AdIn 1994, he had a heated exchange following a game against UMass in which he threatened to kill coach John Calipari. “John Chaney was more than just a Hall of Fame Basketball coach. "Everybody in their lives, whether they’re in coaching, outside of coaching, or whatever profession, needs a person like coach Chaney in their life.”_____Associated Press writer Jonathan Poet contributed to this report.