T ake Anything of a skill nature takes time. "We're not trying for a quick fix. We're trying to build a program that will be long-lasting, and that takes continuity, both in coaches and players. The really fine teams that win year after year have that." Levy says he'd like to join Mary Levy and Sid Gillman in the rarified atmosphere of Jewish' head coaches in the Brown Hopes To Avoid `Penthouse To Outhouse' HARLAN ABBEY Special to The Jewish News N othing is permanent in sports. Today's hero is tomorrow's goat who gave up the game- winning hit or committed the key error or missed the tackle on a touchdown. In fact, there's a saying that expresses the situation almost perfectly: going "From the penthouse to the outhouse?' Larry Brown, one of the best college or professional basketball coaches in America, lived through that feeling during the 1988-89 National Basketball Associa- tion season with the San An- tonio Spurs. In 1987-88, he had won the National Collegiate Athletic Association championship with a Kansas University team led by Danny Manning. But a year later, he was the man in charge as the Spurs Brown gets what is believed to be the highest coaching salary in the NBA. posted the worst record in their 15-year history as a pro- fessional franchise — only 21 wins and 61 defeats. It was galling to Brown, too: the first time in a 17-year coaching career — except when he was fired at Denver partway through the 1978-79 season — that one of his teams failed to make the playoffs. And if that weren't enough, it was the first time a Brown- coached team ever finished below .500! Undoubtedly, Brown was hoping that 7-footer David Robinson would find an ear- ly exit from the U.S. Navy when Brown signed as the 13th coach in the Dallas/San Antonio team's history. His signing was announced on Friday, June 13 — and his your kids to court. NFL. "The odds at my age are slim, but you never know." In the meantime, Dave and wife Barrie are enjoying the change of seasons from their home in Southfield and Levy draws satisfaction from the friendships he's made in football. "I've made some great friendships," he says, "and that really does make the profession worthwhile." ❑ luck ran out when Robinson remained in the Navy and starters Johnny Dawkins and Alvin Robertson were hurt for most of the season. But, for 1989-90, Robinson will be available, along with No. 1 draft pick Sean Elliott, and Brown is expected to have the Spurs threatening for a playoff berth in the Midwest Division. Prior to last season, Brown, 47, had a 446-225 record in the pros and was 177-61 at Kansas and UCLA, reaching the NCAA final three times in seven years. Brown's col- lege coaching victory percen- tage of .744 is the sixth-best' in NCAA history. In addition to his coaching triumphs, Brown has more feats as a player than any Jewish basketball star in modern times: a Maccabi Games gold medal in Tokyo in 1964; and "most valuable" honors in the American Basketball Association All- Star Game in 1968. He once set an ABA mark of 23 assists in a gathe and led the league in assists three times. Larry has suffered other setbacks, such as the NCAA investigating Kansas, an ear infection and personal pro- blems — he has been married three times and is noted for changing jobs on a `•`spur-of- the-moment" notice. But basketball experts believe that every time Brown takes a job, he's convinced it's the perfect situation. But it's never perfect for too long — unless David Robinson becomes the "center of the 90s" and Brown is able to put together a supporting cast that can make the Spurs the Celtics of the 1990s. Brown, who at 5-foot-9 was at one time the shortest player in pro basketball, gets what is believed to be the highest coaching salary in the NBA. At $3.5-million-plus for five years, it is reportedly twice that of the next-highest- paid NBA coach, so that could Franklin's Junior Tennis Program is open to members and non-members alike. Geared to those between the ages of 5 and 18, instruction is provided on an individual basis at all levels. Sessions fill up rapidly, so call and register today or stop by at 29350 Northwestern, just west of Franklin Road in Southfield. • Fall Session Begins September 8 To register, or for more information, call: Ext. 38. 352-8000 FRANKLIN Fitness & Racquet Club To all of our friends and customers... our sincerest wishes for health and prosperity in the New Year from three generations of the Weintraub family • Saul & Sarah Weintraub • Danny & Yetta Weintraub • Bruce & Shelly Hoffman • Doris Zak • Rochel Kitt.rell - • Robert Bishop Highway ,Southlield, MI 48034 5 pm 3M - Northvvestern HOURS: - F 10 am - 5:30 pm, Sat. 10 "SUNSET STRIP" 29536 PHONE. 357-4000 VISA, MASTERCARD CORPORATE BILLING 24 HOUR SERVICE SPECIAL SUMMER RATES — ONE FREE HOUR WITH 1ST 4 HOURS PAID (Consecutive Hours Only) With Coupon •Not Valid with any other special package or offering FROM $35.00 PER HOUR J R LIMO USE OUR FLEET FOR BUSINESS OR PLEASURE (313) 477-1630 • AIRPORT RATES TWO HOUR LIMO LUNCH SPECIAL $65.00 ONLY With Coupon *Certain restrictions may apply THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS 45