Introduction
George Henry Raveling (June 27, 1937 – September 1, 2025) was more than a celebrated college basketball coach—he was a civil rights steward, a transformative Nike executive, and a mentor who helped shape some of the most iconic figures and moments in sports and culture.
Born in Washington, D.C., Raveling embraced adversity and academics after losing his father early and seeing his mother institutionalized. His athletic journey began in ninth grade, later leading him to Villanova University, where he starred as a rebounder and earned team captaincy.
His coaching career spanned three powerhouse programs: Washington State University, University of Iowa, and University of Southern California. Along the way, he gathered a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and historical significance.
1. Coaching Chapters: Iowa and Beyond
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Washington State University (1972–1983)
Raveling became the first Black coach in the Pacific-8 (now Pac-12), led the Cougars to NCAA tournament berths in 1980 and 1983, and amassed 167 wins in Pullman. -
University of Iowa (1983–1986)
Taking over from Lute Olson, Raveling guided Iowa to consecutive 20-win seasons and NCAA appearances in 1985 and 1986 (21–11 and 20–12 records, respectively). He recruited future NBA players like B.J. Armstrong, Kevin Gamble, Ed Horton, Roy Marble, and Greg Stokes (collectively helping Iowa make deep NCAA runs soon after his departure). -
University of Southern California (1986–1994)
Raveling continued to elevate programs and earned NCAA tournament appearances in 1991 and 1992, becoming USC’s respected coach. -
Olympic Pedigree
He served on the U.S. Olympic coaching staff during the gold-winning 1984 Los Angeles team and again in 1988.
2. “Air”: Mentoring Michael Jordan & Forging an Era
George Raveling played a pivotal role in NBA legend Michael Jordan’s trajectory—not only on the court but in sports marketing history.
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As Jordan’s Olympic coach, Raveling earned Jordan’s trust and vision.
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He introduced Jordan to Nike’s Sonny Vaccaro, catalyzing the creation of the Air Jordan brand—transforming athletic branding forever.
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Jordan himself acknowledged: *“I signed with Nike because of George, and without him, there would be no Air Jordan”—a testament to Raveling’s influence.
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Raveling is portrayed by Marlon Wayans in the 2023 film Air, which dramatizes Nike’s pursuit of Jordan.
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He went on to become Nike’s global basketball sports marketing director in 1994, guiding the brand through decades of success.
3. A Link to History: MLK’s “I Have a Dream” Speech
One of Raveling’s most extraordinary legacies stands outside the court:
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He served on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s security detail during the 1963 March on Washington.
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Boldly, Raveling asked King for the original typed speech, and King handed it to him.
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He preserved that vital document for decades and later contributed it for public display at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
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This act cemented Raveling not just as a coach, but as a conscious steward of American history.
4. Beyond Career: Personal Life, Legacy & ‘Wife’
While less publicly known, Raveling was also a family man and devoted mentor:
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Often referred to simply as “Coach”, he was beloved off-court—father, husband, mentor, friend.
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After a serious car accident in 1994, Raveling transitioned from coaching to influential roles at Nike, television commentary, and mentorship.
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He was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
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In 2025, he released a memoir titled What You’re Made For: Powerful Life Lessons from My Career in Sports, with a foreword by Michael Jordan. George Raveling coaching legacy.
5. Reflection: A Legacy of Sport, Culture, and Purpose
Raveling’s life is a testament to resilience, vision, and humanity:
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From Washington, D.C., to the heights of college basketball, he shaped teams and nurtured stars with integrity and depth.
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He stood as a witness and custodian of civil rights history—an uncommon and profound role for any sports figure.
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He bridged mentorship, culture, and commerce—making Jordan’s Air brand a reality and influencing sports for decades.
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His upcoming memoir invites readers into the heart of his life lessons, a masterclass in purpose, perseverance, and leadership. George Raveling coaching legacy.
FAQs
Q: Who was George Raveling’s wife?
A: Public records and sources acknowledge that Raveling was a devoted husband and family man, though his wife’s identity is kept private in media profiles.
Q: What was his record coaching at Iowa?
A: Raveling compiled a 55–38 overall record over three seasons at Iowa, leading to two NCAA Tournament appearances.
Q: How did Raveling get the MLK speech?
A: Serving on MLK’s security detail during the March on Washington, Raveling asked the reverend for his speech copy—King obliged, giving him the original manuscript.
Q: Did he coach Michael Jordan?
A: Yes—Raveling was an assistant coach with the 1984 U.S. Olympic team that featured Jordan.
Q: What’s the significance of the book “What You’re Made For”?
A: It’s Raveling’s memoir, offering personal insights, life lessons, and his journey—from overcoming early hardship to coaching, influencing Nike, and mentoring generations. George Raveling coaching legacy.
Conclusion
George Henry Raveling transcended roles. He was a coach whose impact echoed through the hardwood and beyond—into moments that shaped history and culture. As a mentor to legends, a steward of progress, and a visionary leader in sports marketing, his narrative blends the personal and the universal. His passing in 2025 marks the end of a life remembered not just for wins and titles, but for integrity, purpose, and instruction for generations to come.
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