Bruce Drake
Inducted:
1973
Stats
Born
December 5, 1905
Gentry, Texas
Died
December 4, 1983
Norman, Oklahoma
Position
Coach
College
University of Oklahoma
Bruce Drake was one of the most innovative coaches in basketball history, earning a reputation for developing creative offensive strategies and maximizing the talent of undersized teams. As head coach at the University of Oklahoma for 17 seasons, he led the Sooners to six conference championships and multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. Drake introduced the famous "Drake Shuffle," a ball-control offense that emphasized movement, passing, and teamwork, influencing coaches across the country.
He also played an important role in improving the sport by advocating for the ban on goaltending and later serving as chairman of the NCAA Rules Committee. In 1956, he was an assistant coach for the United States men's basketball team that won the Olympic gold medal. Bruce Drake was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1973, recognizing his lasting impact on coaching and the evolution of basketball.
Drake's Awards & Honor
- 5 Big Six Championship (1939, 1940, 1942, 1944, 1947)
- Big Seven Championship (1949)
- Chairman, NCAA Rules Committee (1951–1955)
- U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist (1956 - Assistant Coach)
NBA Teams
University of Oklahoma (1938–1955)
Career Stats
Seasons Coached:
17
Overall Record:
200–182
Win(%):
.524
Conference Championships:
6
NCAA Tournament Appearances:
3
Final Four Appearances:
2
Assistant Coach, U.S. Olympic Team:
1956 (Gold Medal)
NCAA Rules Committee:
Member and later Chairman (1951–1955)