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Legendary coach George Raveling dies at 88

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated Sep 2, 2025 5:05 PM ET

Legendary former college basketball coach George Raveling has died.

Raveling’s family shared the news of the former coach and Nike executive’s death in a statement on Tuesday. Raveling, who had battled cancer, was 88.

“It is with deep sadness and unimaginable pain that we share the passing of our beloved ‘Coach,’ George Henry Raveling, who faced cancer with courage and grace,” the statement read. “He transitioned peacefully at age 88, surrounded by family as well as love, faith, and sacred protection.

“There are no words to fully capture what George meant to his family, friends, colleagues, former players, and assistants — and to the world. He will be profoundly missed, yet his aura, energy, divine presence, and timeless wisdom live on in all those he touched and transformed.”

It is with deep sadness and unimaginable pain that we share the passing of our beloved “Coach,” George Henry Raveling. pic.twitter.com/LGWQubvI3V
— George Raveling (@GeorgeRaveling) September 2, 2025

Raveling coached Division I college basketball for 22 seasons. He was first the head coach at Washington State from 1972-1983. After leading the Cougars to two NCAA Tournament appearances, Raveling went on to coach at Iowa for three seasons from 1983-1986. He led Iowa to two NCAA Tournament appearances as well and then finished his coaching career with USC from 1986-1994, making the NCAA Tournament two more times.

Raveling was named the Pac-10 Coach of the Year three times — twice with Washington State and once with USC.

After he retired from coaching, Raveling became the Global Basketball Sports Marketing Director for Nike. He once made headlines for taking a ruthless shot at LaVar Ball.

A former Villanova star who was known for his rebounding ability, Raveling was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013 and Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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