CANTON -- Longtime SUNY Potsdam men's basketball coach Stan Cohen died Wednesday morning at his home in Canton. He was 80.

The Bears Hall of Famer served as an assistant coach at Potsdam for 42 seasons and was on the bench for both home games last weekend, SUNY Potsdam said.

"Stan was a true friend, a mentor and a wonderful coach," said Bears Head Coach Sherry Dobbs, Jr. "His impact on the lives of our players, past and present, can never be measured. He loved his family, SUNY Potsdam Basketball and everyone that ever played for him. We will miss him and always remember him as a true gentleman. The Potsdam basketball family is thankful for everything that he did for our program and we all are better people for having had Coach Cohen in our lives."

Beginning in 1957, Cohen spent 16 seasons as the head men's basketball coach at SUNY Canton with a record of 247-143. He then coached the women's team for seven years, compiling a 79-57 mark. Cohen spent 39 years at Canton, at times serving as a coach, accounting professor and athletic director before retiring in 1996. He was a member of SUNY Canton's inaugural Hall of Fame class in 2011.

In 1973 Cohen joined Potsdam legend Jerry Welsh's coaching staff. As a Bears' assistant coach, he helped Potsdam achieve incredible success. The program posted a 698-458 record (.604 winning percentage) with Cohen on the bench. He helped guide Potsdam to NCAA Division III National Championships in 1981 and 1986 as well as three national runner-up finishes (1979, 1982, and 1985).

Cohen's tenure also included nine NCAA East Regional Championships ('79-'83, '85'-'87, '89) and 10 SUNYAC Championships ('74, '77-'80, '83, '86, '87, 04, 05).

During his time at Potsdam, Cohen aided the development of eight All-Americans (five two-time honorees) and three National Players of the Year. During that time, the Bears made 15 NCAA appearances and racked up a 35-13 record in the national tournament.

"I had the privilege of working with Stan Cohen in the Potsdam Bears Basketball program for 18 years," said Welsh. "Stan was a very knowledgeable and loyal coach. He brought his dedication to practice every day and was responsible for much of the team's success. Coach Cohen was both respected and well liked by all of our players and staff. We are all thankful for all that he did for Potsdam State and we'll miss him very much. Stan was a true friend to all of us."

In addition to working with Welsh from 1973-1991, Cohen served with former coach Bill Mitchell (1991-2003) and as well as (2003-present). He was inducted into the Bears Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006 and the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame last March.

Cohen, a native of Cortland and 1956 graduate of Hobart College, was a co-captain on the 1955-56 Statesmen squad that posted a 15-5 record. Cohen's graduating class posted 48-23 mark giving it the highest winning percentage (.676) of any graduating class in Hobart basketball history, SUNY Potsdam said.

"Stan, simply put was just a great guy," Mitchell said. "He was a constant source of support to every player and coach who's been part of our program for the past 40 years. The guys all loved Stan. He treated them all like his own. We lost one of Potsdam's finest."

Cohen is survived by his wife Rosie, his son Hal, daughters Laurie, Carrie and Amy and nine grandchildren.

The calling hours for Coach Cohen will be held this Sunday, Feb. 8, from 1 to 5 p.m. at O'Leary's Funeral Home in Canton.