Prep talk: Year 41 at La Cañada High for basketball coach Tom Hofman

Tom Hofman is preparing to enter his 41st season coaching basketball at La Cañada High, including 39 as varsity coach. He’s a future Hall of Famer who continues to coach at age 73.

The key is that his wife, Cindy, still loves basketball, which means Tom can continue coaching. They have been married for 53 years.

“I love children,” he said. “My wife still loves him.”

This will be the last season of the Rio Hondo League. La Cañada won 31 league titles under Hofman. The Rio Hondo will join the Pacific League next season.

“I don’t like it,” Hofman said. “It’s a shame.”

La Cañada has been running the same offense since day one, copied from Bobby Knight’s days at Indiana. “We changed it a little bit,” Hofman said.

This offense is why opposing coaches like to play zone defense against La Cañada. Players get beat for too many layups while facing La Cañada.

Hofman takes great pride in coaching the neighborhood kids and making sure everyone knows he never recruited players.

“We did it the right way,” he said. “I never really made first contact.”

The Rio Hondo League held a media day Thursday in South Pasadena, with coaches paying tribute to Hofman’s longevity at the same school.

“His passing game is unbelievable,” Blair coach Derrick Taylor said. “Passing 41 is a long time. He’s truly incredible. He’s a first-class guy.”

It’s one of a kind as another basketball season begins next week. And he says this won’t be his last season as long as his wife continues to enjoy the game.

This is a daily look at positive happenings in high school sports. To submit news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.