George Raveling: A Basketball Legend
George Raveling, a prominent figure in basketball history and a Hall of Fame coach, has passed away at the age of 88 after battling cancer, as confirmed by his family on Tuesday. Known affectionately as “Coach,” Raveling’s legacy extends far beyond his coaching tenures at Washington State, Iowa, and USC; he played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of numerous athletes, including NBA icon Michael Jordan.
A Trailblazer in Coaching
A trailblazer among black coaches during a time when basketball was predominantly white, Raveling earned immense respect in the sports community. His contributions to USA Basketball were notable, including serving as an assistant coach during the 1984 Los Angeles and 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. It was during the 1984 Olympics that he formed a significant bond with Michael Jordan, leading to his crucial introduction of the budding star to Sonny Vaccaro at Nike. Raveling’s persuasion played an instrumental role in Jordan’s decision to sign with the athletic brand—a partnership that would later revolutionize the basketball footwear landscape. This pivotal moment was also depicted in the film “Air,” where Marlon Wayans brought Raveling’s character to life.
A Cherished Keepsake
In addition to his coaching achievements, Raveling is remembered for an extraordinary piece of history he possessed: an original copy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Raveling was near King during the 1963 March on Washington, and in a memorable encounter, he requested the speech as King left the stage. Raveling later framed the document as a cherished keepsake before donating it to Villanova University, his alma mater.
Collegiate Career and Legacy
Raveling’s collegiate career at Villanova spanned from 1957 to 1960, where he showcased his talent with an impressive average of 12.3 points and 14.6 rebounds per game in his final two seasons. Selected by the Philadelphia Warriors in the eighth round of the NBA Draft, Raveling never played professionally but redirected his passion toward coaching.
Jay Wright, who led Villanova to two national championships, shared his heartfelt condolences via X, describing Raveling as
“the finest human being, inspiring mentor, most loyal alum and a thoughtful loving friend.”
He emphasized how Raveling devoted his life to uplifting others, ending with a touching tribute to the coach’s kindness and dedication.
Coaching Achievements and Impact
Throughout his coaching career, Raveling achieved a record of 335 wins and 293 losses, making significant impacts at each of the institutions he served, guiding them to the NCAA Tournament on multiple occasions. After his coaching tenure, he took on the role of Nike’s director of international basketball, utilizing his expertise to scout and connect with talent worldwide.
USA Basketball has honored Raveling’s contributions, emphasizing the profound loss felt across the basketball community, as tributes pour in from those who recognized him as not only a great coach but a cherished mentor and friend.
