Kutztown University Athletics

John M. Gabriel ’78, was a letterwinner and key member of the men’s basketball program from 1976-78, who went on to become a top executive in the National Basketball Association (NBA).  Gabriel was known for his stellar defense while with the Golden Bears, often drawing the duty of guarding the opponent’s top backcourt player. Gabriel averaged 3.8 points during his time at Kutztown.  He graduated in 1978 with a degree in education.  In 1982, Gabriel broke into the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers.  From 1982-87, Gabriel served as an assistant coach, director of video scouting, scouting coordinator, group sales and broadcast coordinator.  During that time, the 76ers made the playoffs five times, winning the 1983 NBA Championship.  Gabriel joined the expansion Orlando Magic as the organization’s first employee in 1987.  There, he served as assistant coach and director of player personnel and scouting from 1987-94, building the roster that led to a berth in the 1995 NBA finals in only their sixth season of existence.  In 1994, Gabriel was named vice president of basketball operations/player personnel, a role he held for two years.  In 1996, Gabriel was promoted to general manager, a position he held until 2003. During that time, the Magic qualified for the NBA playoffs five times.  Since 2004, Gabriel has held the position of NBA scout for the Portland Trailblazers.  He is a graduate of Delone Catholic High School.  Gabriel; his wife, Dorothy; and three children, Amelia (14), Meredith (10) and Jack (6); reside in Winter Park, Fla.