Ex-NJ Governor Coaches Youth Hoops In West Orange

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The question is, do Richard Codey’s players call him “governor,” “senator” or “coach?”

Sen. Richard Codey, former governor of New Jersey who now represents the state’s 27th legislative district, recently helped guide the West Orange 14-and-under basketball team to a nail-biting win in the AAU Boys Basketball National Championships.

Codey – the head coach of the team – also got a key game-day assist from his son, Chris.

Last month, the 11-player team defeated their counterparts from North Carolina, taking it to the wire with a 57-53 finish at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.

Codey said it was a “thrilling” day for them all.

“I’m so proud of this team for their competitive determination and their teamwork,” the former governor said. “They played like champions and they acted like champions, with the character and talent that allowed them to defeat some of the best teams in the country.”

Codey said that even though he’s been coaching youth basketball for several years, he still gets a kick out of seeing the kids at work on the court.

“I’m really happy for them and I know that my pride in their accomplishments is shared by their families, friends, the West Orange community and the state of New Jersey,” Codey said.

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