ANDOVER — The confidence emanating from the podium at the Wyndham Hotel in Andover yesterday sounded very familiar.
"We will work together as a team," said the keynote speaker. "The results will be better than ever before ... We will win."
Those words came from Boston Celtics legend JoJo White. But it might as well have been Red Auerbach, Bill Russell, Bob Cousy or Larry Bird.
But White, who resides in Middleton, wasn't talking championship basketball. He was talking about the inaugural "JoJo White Celebrity Golf Classic," which will benefit Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, specifically its William L. Lane Cancer Center.
The tourney will be played on Sept. 29, 2009 at the Renaissance Golf Club in Haverhill.
"If I'm going to put my name on something I'm going to do everything I can to make sure it is a success," said White, who turned 62 in November. "But it's not about one person. The principles are the same for winning on and off the court — hard work and working together."
White is beaming these days with Celtics Pride (yes, with a capital "P").
He not only attends every home game, usually with his wife, Debbie, but he works closely with the current players as a mentor.
"A lot of times the players have it going well on the court," said White. "And the majority of their problems are usually off the court. There's a lot of pressure on these guys and they need a little guidance."
That's where the smooth-as-silk White comes in. He and his wife not only took care of their finances, owning property at one time in seven states, but together they raised five children.
Add in that he won two championship rings, and Celtics players are all ears.
"It's very rewarding," said White. "I enjoy helping others, especially those who will listen."
White is not surprised by the Celtics' success after some down years. In fact, he said the Celtics have always had the recipe for success.
"For 22 years I believe we got away from our philosophy," said White. "And that's getting everyone together working for a common goal. That's bringing in players and getting them to buy into the philosophy. ... The Celtics have proven, over the years, that it works. We had proven it 16 times (before last year)."
And White is unabashed in his praise for the man who made it happen.
"I think it was important that Danny (Ainge) experienced it as a player and he helped bring that philosophy back," said White of the former player and current team president. "What impresses me most about Danny is his work ethic. He doesn't just sit in an office and make phone calls. He's a gym rat. He's constantly finding players."
According to White, one player in particular, Kevin Garnett, was a perfect fit when he arrived in Boston.
"As great as Kevin was, and all of the energy he brings every day, it hadn't amounted to anything, even with all of the millions he had," said White. "It took coming here, with some pretty good talent here. Winning is habit-forming. Once you taste it, you want more."
While he won't predict another championship for the Celtics, he would ensure that if it did happen the championship trophy would probably make its way to the Renaissance Golf Club on the last Monday in September.
"The Holy Family Hospital is a hidden gem around here," said White. "It's a first class operation. They've helped so many people. I am honored to give them a hand."
E-mail Bill Burt at bburt@eagletribune.com.
John Wall talks about the loss to the Heat-2/10
Collins takes the blame for the Sixers' final possession
Sixers vs. Clippers highlights
Sixers defensive effort not enough vs. Clippers
Post game plus crew on the Sixers loss
Rose and Zumoff recap the Sixers last second loss
Penn vs. Harvard highlights
Stefon Diggs chooses Maryland, Randy Edsall comments-2/10
Cal Ripken says the Orioles will go as far as their pitching-2/10
Sandusky makes a statement
Collegiate Corner: Philly College Hoops - 2/9
Ovechkin: "I don't think we deserved to lose today."
Brayden Schenn scores a goal against his brother Luke
What is ailing the Flyers?
Briere on facing the Maple Leafs
Flyers on Bobrovsky starting and work ethic
Schenn and Hartnell help the Flyers snap their skid
Iguodala is selected to his first All-Star Game
What is the injury situation with Hawes?
Brayden Schenn on trade rumors surrounding his brother, Luke Schenn
McAdam's Spring Training primer
Doc: Team's effort is 'un-Celtic'
Pierce stresses mental toughness
Globe 10.0 Who was the best free agent in Boston?
Maria Menounos dons a Giants-colored bikini after losing Super Bowl bet-2/7
Thomas' moratorium: 'I'm out, peace'
Gasol: 'Not pleasant' being part of trade rumor
Blakely: Gasol-for-Rondo trade unlikely
Brady-ing is Latest Internet Meme
Globe 10.0: Is Paul Pierce the Celtics greatest scorer?
Ranking Pierce among Celtics greats
Garnett's tale of first meeting Paul Pierce
Pierce's loyalty touted after big night
Hurt Locker: Patriots react to Super Bowl loss
Brown: 'Eli Manning is better than Tom Brady'
Local fans crushed by Patriots loss in Super Bowl XLVI
Marcus Johansson Caps lone goal in loss to Bruins-2/5
Matt Hendricks throws down with the Bruins' Adam McQuaid--2/5
Vinatieri, Law, Brown recount Super Bowl XXXVI
Curran: Probably 4-6 years left on Belichick's reign
