Basketball legends, politicians and community leaders gathered to say goodbye to John "Butch" Purcell, a coach who had a major impact in Harlem and Stuyvesant Town.

"He is a prince, and what a turnout for him. And what an appropriate turnout, and New York City has lost one of it's hidden treasures," said Tom Konchalski, a legendary basketball scout.

Purcell died on January 12. It was standing room only at his funeral Friday morning at Immaculate Conception Church on East 14th Street.

A native of Harlem, he loved playing basketball, and from 1972 to 1992, he coached at the world-renowned Rucker Park tournament. It’s believed over his life, Purcell coached or mentored 75 players who were in the NBA or on their way there.

Former New York Knick Hollis Copeland is one of them. Copeland remembered some great games playing for Purcell.

"He coached me in the Pro-Am. Me, myself, Jeff Houston, West Mathews, Sam Worthen. Actually, I think we went undefeated three years in a row under Butch," Copeland said.

Purcell was also one of the coaches for a young Dr. J, Julius Irving, when he played in the Rucker Tournament in the early 1970s.

Hall of Fame NBA Columnist Pete Vecsey reflected on coaching with Purcell at Rucker and being amazed by their player who was dunking over everyone.   

Former New York Knick and Hall of Famer Earl "The Pearl" Monroe attended his friend's funeral and described Purcell as a great man.

"He was a hell of a guy, and you come out here and you see the people out here, this is just love," Monroe said. "Unfortunately, he passed away, but his legacy lives on."

Purcell was known as "The Mayor of Stuyvesant Town" because of helping people in that community, where he lived. This past September one of its playgrounds was named in his honor.

Purcell’s legacy will be about more than just basketball. Many people say his mission was to help others live a better life.

Bob McCullough is the commissioner of Rucker Pro Legends. He said the coach assisted people who were battled drug addictions.

"He not only counseled ball players that had drug problems, but he also counseled musicians," McCullough said.

"He was saving lives that way," said Russell Shuler, the CEO of Youth Education Through Sports, which is based in Harlem. "Because drug intervention was necessary, required, and he saved a lot of lives doing that."

John "Butch" Purcell was 74 years old. He leaves behind his wife Mary of 51 years and his son John IV.