George Raveling is a distinguished figure in the world of basketball, known for his groundbreaking contributions as a player and coach. He began his journey at Villanova University, where he excelled as a rebounder and team captain, leading the Wildcats to consecutive National Invitation Tournament appearances in 1959 and 1960. His talent caught the attention of the Philadelphia Warriors, who selected him in the 1960 NBA draft, marking the start of a remarkable career in basketball.

Transitioning from player to coach, Raveling made history as the first African American head coach in the Pacific-8 Conference when he took the helm at Washington State University in 1972. Over eleven seasons, he led the Cougars to two NCAA tournament appearances and established himself as one of the winningest coaches in the program’s history. His coaching prowess was recognized with multiple accolades, including the UPI Pac-8 Coach of the Year award in 1976 and the national runner-up for AP Coach of the Year in 1983.

Raveling continued to make his mark at the University of Iowa and the University of Southern California, where he guided teams to NCAA tournament berths and earned several Coach of the Year honors. His influence extended beyond the college ranks, serving as an assistant coach for the USA Olympic team that won gold in 1984, showcasing his ability to mentor and develop talent at the highest levels.

Since retiring from coaching in 1994, Raveling has served as Nike’s global basketball sports marketing director and has authored books on basketball strategy. His legacy includes not only his coaching achievements but also his role in pivotal moments in sports history, such as his connection to Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Raveling’s upcoming book, “WHAT YOU’RE MADE FOR: Powerful Life Lessons from My Career in Sports,” promises to inspire future generations with the wisdom he has gained throughout his extraordinary career.