Phil Jackson

Biography

Date of Birth: 17 September 1945, Deer Lodge, Montana, USA Birth Name: Philip Douglas Jackson Nickname: Zen Master Bones (as a high school basketball player) Head n' Shoulders (as a player for the New York Knicks) Action Jackson PJ Height: 5' 8" (2.03 m) Spouse: June (October 1974 - 2000) (divorced) 4 children Maxine (1967 - 1972) (divorced) 1 child Trade Mark: Natty dress attire Uses eastern philosophy (notably his beliefs in Zen Buddhism) in his coaching basketball teams. Trivia: He is considered one of the best coaches in the NBA and has 10 championships to his credit as a coach. Jackson was a Chicago Bulls coach but did not get along with the general manager, Jerry Krause. His parents were Pentecostal missionaries. An All-American at the University of North Dakota. Won a CBA (Continental Basketball Association) Championship as coach of the Albany (NY) Patroons in 1984. Divorced his wife June when she declined to moved to Los Angeles after he was named head coach of the L.A. Lakers on 16 June 1999. He currently dating Jeanie Buss, the daughter of the Lakers' owner Dr. Jerry Buss. Has 11 NBA championship rings: 2 as a player with the New York Knicks, 6 as coach of the Chicago Bulls, and 3 as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Played for the New York Knicks 1967-1978, and the New Jersey Nets 1978-1980. Was a player/assistant coach combo for the Nets. Personal Quotes: "I gave it my body and mind, but I have kept my soul." "Wisdom is always an overmatch for strength." "Approach the game with no preset agendas and you'll probably come away surprised at your overall efforts." "Always keep an open mind and a compassionate heart." "If you meet the Buddha in the lane, feed him the ball."