NBA officially mourns! Hall of Fame coach at 88 passes away, once helped Jordan secure a landmark endorsement deal

On September 3rd Beijing time, Hall of Fame basketball coach George Raveling died at 88 years old. He was instrumental in Michael Jordan signing a historic endorsement deal with Nike.

Raveling’s family issued a statement saying he "confronted cancer with bravery and dignity." "Words cannot fully express what George meant to his family, friends, colleagues, former players, assistant coaches — and the world at large," the statement read. "His passing brings deep sorrow, but his presence, energy, extraordinary charisma, and timeless wisdom will live forever in the hearts of all he touched and influenced."

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also released an official statement on behalf of the league mourning Raveling, as follows—

“George Raveling left a profound impact on every level of basketball and was a pioneer in taking the sport global. During his long tenure at Nike, he made significant contributions—traveling worldwide, mentoring generations of players and coaches, and tirelessly promoting the sport that shaped his life.”

“As a college basketball coach, he broke barriers; in basketball circles, his voice carried great weight. I cherish my friendship with George and admire his consistent calm, dignity, and respectfulness. He was undoubtedly one of the most revered figures in basketball. On behalf of everyone at the NBA, I extend deepest condolences to George’s family, friends, and all those touched by his extraordinary life.”

Raveling was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015. From 1972 to 1994, he coached at Washington State University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Southern California, compiling a career record of 335 wins and 293 losses. In the first season at each school, his teams did not achieve winning records, but he later led them multiple times to the NCAA Tournament.

Thanks to his outstanding coaching success with these teams, Raveling joined the U.S. Olympic men's basketball coaching staff in 1984 and 1988.

At the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, Jordan was part of the gold-winning U.S. team, and Raveling was a key figure in helping Jordan decide to sign with Nike. He introduced Jordan to Nike’s Sonny Vaccaro, which ultimately led to a groundbreaking contract—Jordan not only gained a personal brand and millions of dollars but also transformed the sports apparel industry.

In the 2023 film "Air," Malcom Wayans portrayed Raveling. The movie focuses on Nike’s efforts to sign Jordan during that period.

Additionally, Raveling possessed the original manuscript of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. In 1963, Raveling was responsible for security at the event where King delivered one of America’s most iconic speeches.

After King finished his speech and was leaving, Raveling approached him to ask if he could have the speech manuscript, and King handed it over. Raveling treasured this document until 2021, when he donated it to his alma mater, Villanova University.

From 1957 to 1960, Raveling played for Villanova’s basketball team. In his final two seasons, he averaged 12.3 points and 14.6 rebounds per game. In 1960, the Philadelphia Warriors (predecessors of the Golden State Warriors) selected him in the eighth round of the NBA draft, but he never played in the NBA.

Jay Wright, the coach who led Villanova to two NCAA championships, also posted on social media mourning Raveling: “He was the finest person, an inspiring mentor, a loyal alumnus, and a caring friend. Coach Raveling dedicated his life to serving others; his passionate and kind heart always worked tirelessly for others and now rests peacefully in God’s embrace!”

In 1994, while coaching at the University of Southern California, Raveling was involved in a serious car accident that resulted in fractures to nine ribs, his collarbone, and pelvis.