WORCESTER, Mass. - Hundreds of people celebrated Bob Cousy Day in Worcester on Friday.

The crowd roared as the green sheet was pulled off unveiling a new Bob Cousy statue in front of the DCU Center in Worcester.  

Those who know the legendary athlete thanked him for his work in social justice. Meanwhile, Cousy says he is thankful to be honored in the city he loves. 

“It looks like I’ll be guarding the DCU center for many years to come,” Cousy said. “This is a proud moment for me with this statue. The city honors me, but today, I’m here to honor Worcester.“ 

Cousy says he’s called the city his home for 74 years. “I’m a Worcester guy,“ Cousy said.

Former teammates along with state and local leaders, honored the former star Holy Cross and Boston Celtics point guard who won six NBA championships. 

“When ‘Cooz’ was out there, as far as his teammates were concerned, you had big guys, small guys, old guys, young guys, all trying to get a piece of the ‘Cooz,’” said Cousy’s former teammate, Tom Sanders.

But the NBA Hall of Famer’s talents and skills have spread far beyond the court. 

“The thing that made him really special is he is a better person than a player despite how good he was as a player,” Gov. Charlie Baker remarked.

The 92-year-old was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019. Cousy is a Civil Rights advocate, fighting against racism during his days in the NBA and forming a players union. He’s also a mentor to children. 

“Everyone says he had courage, the opposite of courage,” said Cousy’s good friend, Sen.Joseph Manchin III of West Virginia. “He wasn’t a coward. That’s the opposite of courage. He wasn't a coward to do what was right and he did it. He stood up for all of us.” 

And even when the spotlight was on him, Cousy says he’s the one who's grateful. 

“I love this city,” Cousy said. “Whatever I have given to it, it has given me much more.“ 

The honors for the basketball legend continue next Friday, as the basketball courts at Crompton Park will be rededicated in Cousy’s honor.