Story perspectives

Trailblazing Coach George Raveling Passes at 88

9/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

George Raveling, a trailblazing basketball coach and Nike executive, died at 88 on September 4, 2025.
He was the first Black coach in major college basketball and mentored many prominent players.
Raveling gained attention from the film "Air" and the documentary "Unraveling George."
He coached at Villanova, Washington State, and Iowa, achieving NCAA tournament success.
Raveling influenced Michael Jordan's decision to join Nike and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.

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Story summary

George Raveling, a trailblazing basketball coach and Nike executive, died at 88 on September 4, 2025.
He was the first Black coach in major college basketball and mentored many prominent players.
Raveling gained attention from the film "Air" and the documentary "Unraveling George."
He coached at Villanova, Washington State, and Iowa, achieving NCAA tournament success.
Raveling influenced Michael Jordan's decision to join Nike and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.