George Henry Raveling, a transformative figure in American basketball and sports culture, passed away on September 1, 2025, at the age of 88. His death followed a courageous battle with cancer, as confirmed by his family in a statement posted on his social media accounts. Raveling’s legacy extends far beyond his achievements on the court; he was a trailblazer, mentor, and cultural icon whose influence spanned sports, civil rights, and business.
Early Life and Basketball Beginnings
Born on June 27, 1937, in Washington, D.C., Raveling’s early life was marked by adversity. He lost his father at a young age, and his mother was institutionalized when he was 13. Despite these challenges, Raveling excelled academically and athletically. He attended St. Michael’s, a Catholic boarding school in Pennsylvania, where he began playing basketball in ninth grade. His talent on the court led him to Villanova University, where he played from 1957 to 1960. At Villanova, Raveling set school records for rebounding and served as team captain in his senior year. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors in the eighth round of the 1960 NBA Draft but chose to pursue coaching instead.Wikipedia
Coaching Career and Achievements
Raveling’s coaching journey began as an assistant at Villanova from 1963 to 1969. He then moved to the University of Maryland, where he became the first African American assistant coach in the Atlantic Coast Conference. In 1972, he was appointed head coach at Washington State University, becoming the first Black head coach in the Pacific-8 Conference (now Pac-12). During his tenure from 1972 to 1983, Raveling led the Cougars to NCAA tournament appearances in 1980 and 1983, elevating the program to national prominence.
Following his success at Washington State, Raveling served as head coach at the University of Iowa from 1983 to 1986, and at the University of Southern California (USC) from 1986 to 1994. At USC, he guided the Trojans to NCAA tournament berths in 1991 and 1992 and was named National Coach of the Year in 1992. His coaching career was marked by a 336–292 record and a reputation for developing talented players, many of whom went on to successful NBA careers.
Role in the Michael Jordan-Nike Partnership
Beyond his coaching accomplishments, Raveling played a pivotal role in one of the most significant moments in sports marketing history. In 1984, while serving as Nike’s global basketball sports marketing director, he convinced Michael Jordan to sign with the company, leading to the creation of the Air Jordan brand. This partnership revolutionized sports endorsements and has since generated over $1.5 billion in revenue. Raveling’s influence in this area was dramatized in the 2023 film Air, where he was portrayed by Marlon Wayans.
Civil Rights Legacy
Raveling’s impact extended beyond basketball and business into the realm of civil rights. In 1963, he was part of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s security detail during the March on Washington. At the conclusion of King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, Raveling asked if he could have a copy of the speech. King handed him the original typewritten manuscript, which Raveling preserved. In 2021, he loaned the speech to Villanova University, and it is now on display at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Awards and Honors
Raveling’s contributions to basketball and society were recognized through numerous accolades. He was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015. In 2013, he received the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2014, he was honored with the Lapchick Award for his commitment to diversity and sportsmanship. His legacy was further cemented when Washington State University raised his name into the rafters of their basketball arena in 2020.
Personal Life and Final Years
In his later years, Raveling remained active in basketball as a color commentator for CBS Sports and FOX Sports Net. He also authored two books on rebounding techniques and served as a mentor to countless players and coaches. Despite retiring from coaching in 1994 following a serious car accident, Raveling continued to influence the sport through his work at Nike and his public speaking engagements.
Raveling passed away on September 1, 2025, surrounded by family. His family described his passing as peaceful, noting that he faced his battle with cancer with courage and grace.
Legacy and Impact
George Raveling’s legacy is multifaceted. As a coach, he broke racial barriers and mentored generations of players. As a businessman, he reshaped the landscape of sports marketing. As a civil rights advocate, he preserved a pivotal piece of American history. His contributions have left an indelible mark on basketball and beyond. His passing marks the end of an era, but his influence will continue to inspire future generations.
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