Basketball coaches Justin Salton of Watchung Hills, Kris Grundy of Montgomery and Ian Progin of Hillsborough take a break to pose for the camera after they helped remove old carpet in Grundy’s new house in 2013. (Submitted by Kris Grundy)
As word spread over the weekend that former Hilllsborough basketball coach – and Rutgers walk-on – Ian Progin had passed away Friday at the age of 47 after a long battle with brain cancer, the tributes came pouring from all over.
In our original story Monday, we heard from his longtime assistant Chris Fox. We asked him to reach out to former players and coaches who wished to say a word or two, and many of them got back to us. They are presented virtually in their entirety here.
We also spoke with Montgomery head coach Kris Grundy, who started with the Cougars’ boys’ basketball program shortly after Progin took over at Hillsborough in 2004. The two became instant friends, often getting together at the end of seasons, along with others in the coaching fraternity.
We went digging for some nuggets, old pictures, anything we can find. But much of Progin’s run with the Raiders came before the explosion of social media and all things being digitized. We did find a good one, though.
A year after Hillsborough upset Gill St. Bernard’s to win the Somerset County Tournament in 2014, they were a 13-seed in the Central Jersey Group 4 playoff bracket. I was working at WCTC 1450 AM in New Brunswick at the time, and with that game being played out of our coverage area, at Freehold Township, we opted to broadcast a game closer to our area: Ridge hosting Linden in the North 2, Group 4 final.
The Red Devils had just come off a thrilling win over Columbia in the semifinals, which we also covered. So, we stuck with the higher seed and the hot hand. As the game – which Ridge lost – came to a close, we got word Hillsborough had stunned the Patriots to win the title, the program’s first ever. During the commercial break, I went to my phone, got his number, and told my producer in the studio, David Raisch, to call and see if the could come on the air.
We got him, while he was on the team bus, graciously telling us about the game and how proud he was of the Raiders. You can hear that interview below.
Here are comments from various former players and coaches, as sent to Central Jersey Sports Radio:
Nick Alaimo, HHS ’13, boys’ basketball: “Coach Progin was more than a coach to me, he was my role model. He is the reason I decided to go into education and coaching. Coach cared about us all more than just basketball players. He was there for us on and off the court. He played a vital role in me having the opportunity to play college basketball. I will cherish the memories I had with coach Progin forever.”
Olivia and Erin Buckman, HHS ’18, girls’ basketball captains: “Coach Progin was so much more than a coach to us – he was family. He was always there with support, advice, and genuine care and he touched our lives in so many ways. The life lessons he taught us are something we will carry with us forever.”
Brett Bisconti, HHS’07, boys’ basketball, current Bernards girls’ coach: “Ian was my coach throughout high school and brought me onto his staff at Hillsborough when I was just 21 years old with zero coaching experience – he took a chance on me and gave me my first real opportunity. I wanted to be a teacher and a coach and he made it his priority to mentor me to help reach my fullest potential both on and off the court. He was always patient, kind, and modeled how a true leader operates day in and day out – I wanted to be like him. He loved his players and truly only wanted what was best for them. He was so detail-oriented, organized, and prepared – which is why there is no surprise he had the success he had both with the boys and girls programs.
After playing for him, then coaching with him, I got to see first hand what a special and selfless person he really was. I am beyond grateful for everything he did for me, I just completed my 15th year coaching and without the impact he had on me, none of it would be possible – he changed my life.
Courtney, his children, and the rest of his family will always be in my prayers. “
Jill Stanton, HHS ’20, girls’ basketball: “I played basketball for Coach Progin all four years of high school from 2016-2020. Progin embodied what it means to be a true Coach. He took the time to teach every single player how to become a better player, and he tailored his coaching style to our individual needs to help us succeed as individual players and as a team. He was the first coach that really made me feel seen and valued as a player. I was never an outspoken leader, yet he understood that and still trusted me enough as a freshman to be able to contribute and compete against girls three years older than me.
To outsiders, Progin may have just been our Coach. But to the girls lucky enough to play under his leadership, he wasn’t just a Coach. He was the best Coach I’ve ever had. He cared about us as people off the court just as much as he cared about us as players. He was a mentor and another father figure to us all. In just four years, he was able to take a basketball program and turn us into a family, and I will be forever grateful for him. I hope he knows how much we all love and miss him and that he will remain forever in our hearts.
Brandon Shamy, HHS ’05, boys’ basketball: “I played for Ian Progin for two years, from 2004-2005, his first two years as head coach. After college, Ian hired me to be the freshman coach for his program. It was such a honor to coach with someone I loved playing for. As a coach, Ian brought incredible preparation, passion and energy. He was a great mentor for me, on and off the court. He cared deeply for his players. A special coach, but an even better man.
Ian taught me so much about playing and coaching basketball at a high level. I’ll never forget the amazing memories and accomplishments we shared on the court. He had such a huge impact on so many of our lives. His legacy will last forever. He was such a special coach and man. He’ll be greatly missed by so many.”
Matt Hornich, HHS ’14, boys’ basketball: “In short, Coach Progin was a Hillsborough legend, changing many lives on the court and off. Coach knew how to get the most out of all his athletes and held us to a high standard on and off the court. He will be missed, my thoughts go out to his wife and two kids. The good die young, rest in peace.”
James Smith, HHS ’14, boys’ basketball: “Coach Progin believed in us — not just as players, but as people. He cared deeply for his team, his students, and his community, always showing up with unwavering support. His quiet confidence helped us grow through every challenge. I’m grateful to have known him and will always cherish the time we shared.”
Michelle Fratianni, HHS ’20, girls’ basketball: “Coach Progin was someone who had such a drive to see every girl who stepped onto a court succeed. However, off the court he was caring and had a passion for teamwork, collaboration, and supporting one another. He implemented a poster creation of a new word every week throughout my senior season, and it was a word the team lived by. Coach Progin really brought us all together and is the reason for the team being so successful and bonded. He truly changed the girls basketball dynamic at Hillsborough.”
Amy Rachilla, HHS’ 23, girls’ basketball: “In 2019-2020, I was a freshman on the girls varsity basketball team and Coach Progin coached me for his last year before stepping down. Progin was a passionate, dedicated, and supportive coach. He loved the game of basketball and I was lucky enough to have been coached by him for my first year of high school. Not many girls get the opportunity to play on varsity their freshman year, but Coach Progin took a chance on me and paved the way for me to become the basketball player I am today. Progin embodied what being a coach is. He ran a well-organized, close-knit, resilient team. He knew what it took to WIN and he pushed us everyday to be the best version of ourselves. As an only freshman on the team, I was timid and nervous, but he guided me day in and day out whether that was at practice, games or even during school. He had so much confidence and faith in me and put me in positions he knew I would do good in. He only coached me for one year, but for the 3 years after that he always made sure to stay in touch with me and continue to meet with me yearly to check in. He always supported me, and even though he wasn’t my coach for the next 3 years, he still came to watch me score my 1,000th point and celebrate my Senior Night. That shows you the coach he really was. Without him, I would have not been where I am today. He taught me so much about the game and more importantly about life. I was so lucky to have him as my coach. I will truly miss him so much and that smile he always had on his face. He always wanted everyone to be there best as individuals and he would do anything for anyone. He was a coach, mentor and guidance counselor, but he was another father figure to all of us. He built more than just a high school basketball program, he built a family. We will forever miss him and the legacy he built. He will remain in my heart forever.”
Elizabeth Suseck, HHS ’18, Girls’ basketball: “Coach Progin was the best coach I ever had. He didn’t just teach us basketball; he taught us how to show up in life, how to work hard, push through, and never settle. I watched him coach my brothers with intensity and high standards, and when he came to the girls’ team, he brought that same energy- he believed in us just as much. I’ll always remember the tough practices, the big wins, and the post-game bus ride sing alongs with Coach (only after the wins of course). I feel very lucky to have known and played for Coach Progin.”
Caitlin Kolesar, HHS ’20, girls’ basketball: “
When I moved to Hillsborough, I didn’t know what to expect. But one of the first people I connected with was Coach. He sat down with me, listened to my story—where I came from, what I hoped to do with basketball—and he met me with nothing but openness and excitement about what the future could hold. I’ll be honest, our relationship wasn’t always perfect, but when it mattered most, he showed up for me in a way I’ll never forget.
In 2019, after my concussion left me unable to finish my junior year and part of my senior year, Coach never stopped checking in – asking how I was doing, how my recovery was going, and keeping tabs on my progress with the doctors. With their help, I made it back my senior year, and though the road was tough, Coach made sure my fight didn’t go unnoticed. At our senior banquet, he surprised me with the “Comeback Player of the Year” award – an acknowledgment I’ll always hold close to my heart.
Coach was more than just a coach—he was someone who truly cared. On and off the court, he had a heart for his players, and even now, I believe he’s still watching over all of us, cheering us on. I’ll always be grateful for the impact he had on my life, and I’ll carry his memory with me in every step forward.”
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