Local Bayside Resident Enters Hall Of Fame

Herb Turetzky has seen just about everything with the New Jersey Nets.
From bad to worse, and good to unbelievable. He was there to see them flourish out on Long Island in the 1970s with Julius Erving and Super John Williamson leading the team to a pair of ABA championships. He suffered when the Nets languished in obscurity through the 1980s and 90s, and he rejoiced when Jason Kidd arrived and took the franchise to new heights with back-to-back NBA finals appearances.
Now, with the team slipping back into mediocrity, Turetzky will still be there, steadfast and true. Only this coming season, his 38th with the franchise, will be different. Turetzky is no longer just the teams scorekeeper, but their Hall of Fame scorekeeper.
The Bayside resident was recently inducted into the New York Basketball Hall of Fame at the New York Athletic Club, along with the 1972-73 first Queens College womens championship basketball team, Leroy Ellis, an All-American at St. Johns University who had a long NBA career and Malik Sealy, another former St. Johns All-American who went on to become a solid NBA player with the Minnesota Timberwolves before suffering a fatal car accident.
Turetzky, who began keeping score when the Nets were the New Jersey Americans in the ABA in 1967, hasnt missed a game since 1984 and has a streak of 865 consecutive games.
He has also helped run the Maurice Stokes Benefit Basketball game at Kutchers Country Club in Monticello for the last 25 years. The event provides funds for former NBA players in need of financial or medical assistance.
Turetzky owns Crown Trophy, a Bayside business approaching its 20th anniversary. They make trophies and plaques for youth groups and high schools.
Turetzky was introduced at the ceremony by his longtime friend, Julius Erving. The immortal "Dr. J" flew up from Florida to share the night with Turetzky. It made sense, considering the two shared many a great night in the ABAs glory days.
"My most special moments in pro sports all involved him. I saw Julius Erving in his prime. He was incredible. He was the Michael Jordan of his era," recalled Turetzky, adding that the presence of his good friend made the night that much sweeter. "We walked into the room to a great ovation. He is just a very special person and a very dear friend."
With his extended family on hand as part of the 400 people in attendance, Turetzky received three standing ovations and couldnt have dreamed of a better way to celebrate his career.
"It was unbelievable, it really was overwhelming," he admitted. "It just blew me away. It was the pinnacle of my career in sports."
E-mail this reporter at zbraziller@queenscourier.com