George Raveling Hall Of Fame NBA

George Raveling (b. 1937) is one of basketball’s most respected figures, celebrated for his groundbreaking impact as a coach, scout, and global ambassador of the game. A trailblazer, Raveling became the first African American head basketball coach in both the Pac-8 Conference (Washington State) and the Big Ten Conference (Iowa), later also leading USC.

Beyond coaching, Raveling made history off the court. A passionate advocate for education, diversity, and opportunity, he played a pivotal role in shaping the sport globally through his work with Nike, where he served as Director of International Basketball. His influence extended well beyond wins and losses, helping spread basketball’s reach worldwide.

Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015, Raveling is remembered not only for his coaching career but also as an influential leader who elevated the game’s cultural and global impact.

Raveling's Awards & Records:

• NABC Coach of the Year (1992)
• 3× Pac-10 Coach of the Year (1976, 1983, 1992)
• John Bunn Award (2013)

Notable Contributions:

• First African American head basketball coach in the Pac-8 (Washington State) and Big Ten (Iowa).
• Coached at Washington State, Iowa, and USC, amassing over 300 career wins.
• Served as Nike’s Director of International Basketball, expanding the game’s global influence.
• Recipient of the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award (2013).
• Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2015) as a contributor.

NBA Teams:

Playing career:
Villanova (1957–1960)

Coaching career:
Villanova (1963–1969)
Maryland (1969–1972)
Washington State (1972–1983)
Iowa (1983–1986)
USC (1986–1994)

Career Stats:

Washington State:
167–136
Iowa:
42–43
USC:
115–118
Overall:
336–292 (.535)
Tournaments:
2–6 (NCAA Division I)
2–2 (NIT)