By Mitch Abramson
In 36 seasons at Campus Magnet, Granby has 591 wins, the most in the history of the PSAL. He has made the playoffs 33 times, won 22 division titles, all in the 'A' division, won six borough championships and a city championship.He captured eight straight gold medals as coach of the New York City Empire State team, but for all his achievements, Granby is probably best known for his fierce independence and deferential attitude. As someone who has been in the game for so long, Granby remains somewhat of a closed book to his peers.”I know some people see him as stand-offish,” said his longtime assistant Herman Turner. “Some people just don't know how to approach him, but if you're real, you should have no problem dealing with him. He has a great heart, one of the best.”In his years pacing the sideline dressed in his customary sweater, slacks and dress shoes, Granby's mantra hasn't changed much.”The most important thing has always been to make sure the players get to college, and then worry about the basketball part of his lives,” Granby said in an earlier interview. “Education has always been the priority.”The Bronx-born Granby flirted with taking a coaching position with his alma mater, Bradley University, early in his career. After watching the coaching carousel that his friend and former Truman coach Steve Lappas rode from Manhattan to Villanova to UMass, Granby is thankful he never got mixed up in college coaching. He relishes his job security and is looking forward to winning his 600th game next season.”You're only as successful as your players,” said Granby, who refused to give his age. “I've been fortunate to have some good ones. I didn't think about lasting this long when I was first hired.”Granby said he owes his longevity and work ethic to his father, who rose every morning before the sun to work in the wholesale grocery business.”When I saw him do it, that made me want to get up early too,” said Granby, who lost in the second round of the playoffs this year and finished 23-6. “That wanted me to work hard.”Reach reporter Mitch Abramson by e-mail at TimesLedger@aol.com or call 718-229-0300, Ext. 130.
