Jim Valvano
Inducted:
2023
Player Stats
Born:
March 10, 1946
Queens, New York, U.S.
Died:
April 28, 1993
Durham, North Carolina, U.S.
Position:
Coach
College:
Rutgers
Jim Valvano, famously known as “Jimmy V,” was a legendary college basketball coach and inspirational figure. Best remembered for leading NC State to an improbable NCAA Championship in 1983, Valvano inspired millions with his passion for life, sports, and perseverance.
A former Rutgers point guard, he transitioned into coaching with stints at Johns Hopkins, Bucknell, Iona, and NC State, compiling a career coaching record of 346–210. Beyond the court, Valvano became a beloved broadcaster and, during his battle with cancer, delivered one of sports history’s most moving speeches at the 1993 ESPYs.
That moment sparked the founding of the V Foundation for Cancer Research, which continues to raise millions for cancer treatment. His motto, “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up,” lives on through his enduring legacy.
Valvano was posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023 for his contributions to basketball and his inspirational impact far beyond it.
Valvano's Awards and Records
- 1989 ACC Coach of the Year
- 1993 Arthur Ashe Courage and Humanitarian Award
- 1967 Rutgers Senior Athlete of the Year
- Rutgers Basketball Hall of Fame (1993)
- North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame (1995)
- New York City Basketball Hall of Fame (1999)
- Hall of Distinguished Alumni, Rutgers University (1999)
- National Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame (2004)
- Won 1983 NCAA Championship
- Won two ACC Tournament championships (1983, `87)
- Won two ACC regular-season championships (1985, `89)
Coaching Career Teams
Rutgers (assistant) 1967–1969
Johns Hopkins 1969–1970
Connecticut (assistant) 1970–1972
Bucknell 1972–1975
Iona 1975–1980
NC State 1980–1990
Career Stats
Coaching Tenure:
1967-1990
Total Wins:
346
Total Losses:
210
Winning Percentage
.622
NCAA Tournament Appearances:
9
Record:
15–8
Final Four:
1 (1983)
Championships:
1 (1983)