Jimmy “V” Valvano, Kay Yow and now, Chuck Daly have become martyrs in a losing fight.

All three, basketball legends lost their precious lives to cancer. Daly became the third after passing away earlier today at his home in Jupiter, Florida. Friends and family surrounded him during those final moments.

Daly coached the original, “Bad Boy” Detroit Pistons during the late 80s and early 90s. He managed an electic mix of fiery personalities and egos that included Dennis Rodman, Bill Liambeer, Vinnie “The Microwave” Johnson, Isiah Thomas and the ever-calm, Joe Dumars.

Coach Daly instituted the infamous “Jordan Rules” during the heated Chicago Bulls and Pistons rivalry. He instructed his players to frustrate Michael Jordan with hard fouls and body to body contact. Their physical play led them to two, consecutive NBA titles (89-90). For a while, the Pistons lived as basketball’s most hated, most feared but most respected team.

However, Daly’s greatest achievement came in 1992. He coached the revered “Dream Team” during the Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. His talented roster included, “Sir” Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, John Stockton, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Gary Payton, Scottie Pippen, Patrick Ewing, Ervin “Magic” Johnson and others.

They destroyed international competition using overpowering physicality and surgical precision. The Dream Team’s dominance forced international basketball to sharpen their game and toughen up their players. Over 25% of the NBA’s total roster included foreign athletes as of 2008.

Aside from his achievement, Daly, like Valvano and Yow, mentored young men into adult M-E-N. He demanded accountability for one’s actions. He appreciated hard work, integrity and good character.

The world lost a great one today, not just the basketball world.