Hall of Fame basketball coach George Raveling dies at 88

College basketball coaching icon George Raveling has passed away at the age of 88. It was announced on his official social media page.

Raveling was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame and the College Basketball Hall of Fame for his career accomplishments. He was the head coach of Washington State, Iowa and USC over the course of two-plus decades.

“It is with deep sadness and unimaginable pain that we share the passing of our beloved ‘Coach,’ George Henry Raveling, who faced cancer with courage and grace,” the statement read. “He transitioned peacefully at 88, surrounded by family as well as love, faith and sacred protection.

It is with deep sadness and unimaginable pain that we share the passing of our beloved “Coach,” George Henry Raveling. pic.twitter.com/LGWQubvI3V

— George Raveling (@GeorgeRaveling) September 2, 2025

“There are no words to fully capture what George meant to his family, friends, colleagues, former players, and assistants – and to the world. He will be profoundly missed, yet his aura, energy, divine presence, and timeless wisdom live on in all those he touched and transformed.”

Raveling, in addition to his college coaching experience, was also an assistant for Team USA. He helped the United States win a gold medal in 1984 and a bronze medal in 1988.

Raveling was the 1992 NABC Coach of the Year while with USC and a three-time Pac-10 Coach of the Year (1976, ’83 and ’92). He coached Washington State from 1972-83, Iowa from 1983-86 and USC from 1986-1994.

Raveling had six NCAA Tournament appearances over the course of his coaching career and went 336-292 overall. A Villanova alum, Raveling played from 1957-60 before transitioning to coaching three years later at his alma mater.

“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. Beyond accolades, he remained a lifelong learner and a kind, beautiful soul – always finding ways to pour into others and inspire the next generation.

“Grief is the cost of love deeply felt. We are eternally grateful for everyone who love George. He cherished his family, his friends, his books, and every opportunity to be a positive difference-maker in as many lives as possible. At this time of mourning, our family kindly asks for privacy and prayers as we navigate this difficult transition.”