Governor McKee Welcomes Boston Celtics Coach Joe Mazzulla to Rhode Island State House to Celebrate Championship
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla is joined by team co-owner Steve Pagliuca and Governor Dan McKee as he carries the Larry O’Brien Trophy down the Rhode Island State House steps.
PROVIDENCE, RI — Governor Dan McKee (head coach, Team Rhode Island) welcomed Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla and co-owner Steve Pagliuca to the Rhode Island State House to celebrate the team’s 18th NBA Championship.
Hundreds of elected leaders, local basketball icons, and fans gathered at the State House for the event, which featured a photo opportunity with the Larry O’Brien trophy.
Mazzulla, a Rhode Island native, was raised in Johnston and was a star basketball player at Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick. He is the seventh coach in the franchise’s history to win an NBA title.
“Coach Mazzulla and the Boston Celtics truly embody the values of Rhode Island: perseverance, hard work, being a team player, and never giving up. Our State could not be more proud of the job he and the team have done,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I extend my sincerest congratulations to Coach Mazzulla, Steve, and the entire organization, and I wish them the best of luck in the upcoming season.”
“I left Rhode Island as a young 17-year-old. One of the greatest gifts God has given me is being able to come back to where I’m from,” said Joe Mazzulla. “On behalf of the Celtics, thank you to Governor McKee and my home state of Rhode Island for welcoming us today. It’s been great getting to share and celebrate this championship with the best fans in the NBA.”
“It was a wonderful celebration of the championship and we thank Governor McKee and all of the fans in Rhode Island for their support and recognition of native son Joe and our team,” said Steve Pagliuca.
