Gus Alfieri, a former St. John’s player and long-time high school basketball coach, passed away at the age of 87 on the first morning of 2024, leaving a profound impact on the Long Island basketball community. Alfieri, who led St. Anthony’s High School to two state championships and four NSCHSAA titles during his nearly two-decade tenure as head basketball coach, was remembered fondly by many.

His son Ron shared a touching anecdote about Gus and his wife Janet, who were avid basketball fans and had been married for 63 years. They were watching a St. John’s game together just before Gus’s passing, highlighting their enduring love for the sport.

In addition to his coaching career, Alfieri was inducted into the St. John’s Hall of Fame in 2023 for his outstanding contributions as a player. He played a pivotal role in the team’s 1959 NIT championship win, scoring 15 points in the final game against Bradley at Madison Square Garden.

After retiring from playing, Alfieri took over as the head coach at St. Anthony’s High School in 1968, where he achieved remarkable success, including a 49-game winning streak in the early to mid-1970s. His impact on the school was so significant that the basketball court was named in his honor in 2016.

Former players and colleagues spoke highly of Alfieri, acknowledging his role in shaping their careers and character. Tom Greis, a star player in the mid-1980s who went on to play at Villanova, credited Alfieri for providing him with opportunities and helping him become the player he was.

Alan Hahn, an ESPN Radio host and Knicks studio analyst, also paid tribute to Alfieri, expressing gratitude for his mentorship and the dedication he showed to the sport of basketball.