PHOTOS: ‘O’Brien strong, we love you’ the message in shrine outside of Northwood gym

A makeshift shrine in honor of former Northwood High basketball coach Tim O’Brien was spotted Saturday outside the gymnasium. (Photos courtesy Paige Nobles, for OC Sports Zone)

As coaches and players continue to react to the death of legendary Orange County boys basketball coach Tim O’Brien a makeshift shrine has started outside the gymnasium at Northwood High School.

Northwood football coach Paige Nobles spotted the shrine Saturday as he went to the school for some preparations for the season, he said. It is believed the flowers and basketball which read: “O’Brien Strong; we love you” were placed there Saturday and it’s not known who did it.

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In front of Northwood High School, those who knew Coach Tim O'Brien are being asked to share their memories.

The shrine outside the Northwood gymnasium has begun.

Nobles said “bless” the person who dropped the flowers and basketball off.

“I’m sure by Monday the whole ledge is going to be packed,” he said.

Coaches, former players and colleagues have been expressing their thoughts about O’Brien, the Northwood boys basketball coach, on Twitter.

Many shared them in a story Friday on OC Sports Zone after school officials announced that O’Brien, 66, died Thursday night after a battle with cancer.

“I am saddened by the news of Coach O’Brien today … nothing but respect and admiration for him and his teams over the years,” Sunny Hills Coach Joe Ok said Friday in an Email to OC Sports Zone. “Truly one of the legends of OC hoops and he will surely be missed.”

No funeral arrangments have been made for O’Brien but school officials are working with former players to plan a tribute, while following restrictions brought upon by the coronavirus pandemic.

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com

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