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The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan
The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Former Iowa men’s basketball coach George Raveling dies at 88

Raveling coached the Hawkeyes from 1983-86, leading them to consecutive NCAA tournaments in 1985 and 1986.
Jack Birmingham, Sports Reporter
September 2, 2025
Jessy Lane
The teams make their way to their time-out huddles during a basketball game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and The Michigan State Spartans at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Thursday, March 6, 2025. The Spartans defeated the Hawkeyes, 91-84.

Former Iowa men’s basketball coach George Raveling has passed away at the age of 88, his family announced on social media Tuesday.

Raveling served as head coach for the Hawkeyes from 1983-86, leading Iowa to back-to-back 20-win seasons and NCAA tournament berths in 1985 and 1986. 

In addition to a coaching career that included Washington State, USC, and the 1984 Olympics, Raveling was also known for his lasting impact on social justice. The Villanova alum provided security for Martin Luther King Jr. at the podium during his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, and was later given the speech’s original typewritten pages.

“Born in a segregated hospital and rising to the halls of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, George never lost his love for life, his resilience, his childlike curiosity, nor his unshakable belief in treating every person with dignity and respect,” an X post from Raveling’s account said. “Beyond accolades, he remained a lifelong learner and a kind, beautiful soul.”

Raveling was a talented player before his coaching career, playing college basketball for the Wildcats and garnering a reputation as a skilled rebounder. Raveling was later selected by the Philadelphia Warriors with the No. 7 pick in the eighth round of the 1960 NBA draft.

Prior to his time with the Hawkeyes, Raveling served as an assistant coach for Villanova and Maryland, the latter earning him recognition as the ACC’s first African American coach. These and other accolades culminated in Raveling’s induction into the National Collegiate Basketball and Naismith Memorial Basketball Halls of Fame in 2013 and 2015, respectively.

“Grief is the cost of love deeply felt,” the post from Raveling’s family said. “We are eternally grateful for everyone who loved George. He cherished his family, his friends, his books, and every opportunity to be a positive difference-maker in as many lives as possible.”