Basketball lost a true pioneer and patriot who broke barriers while building one of America’s greatest business success stories through his role in the legendary Michael Jordan-Nike partnership.
Trailblazing Coach Who Shattered Barriers
George Raveling passed away at age 88 after courageously battling cancer, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that embodies the American dream of achievement through merit and determination. Born in segregated Washington, D.C., in 1937, Raveling rose from humble beginnings to become the first African-American head basketball coach in Pac-8 Conference history when he took the helm at Washington State University in 1972. His groundbreaking appointment represented genuine progress based on talent and character, not quotas or political correctness.
Raveling’s coaching prowess earned him multiple Coach of the Year honors across three major universities. He compiled a 335-293 record during his collegiate career, leading programs at Washington State, Iowa, and USC with discipline and excellence. His teams consistently competed at the highest levels, reflecting his commitment to developing both athletic ability and personal character in his players. This approach perfectly aligned with traditional American values of hard work, accountability, and merit-based achievement.
Architect of America’s Greatest Sports Business Deal
Raveling’s most transformative contribution to American enterprise came through his pivotal role in creating the Michael Jordan-Nike partnership. As an assistant coach for the gold medal-winning 1984 U.S. Olympic basketball team, Raveling developed a relationship with Jordan that would reshape sports marketing forever. Working alongside Nike executive Sonny Vaccaro, Raveling helped convince Jordan to sign with the Oregon-based company rather than established competitors like Adidas or Converse.
This partnership exemplified American entrepreneurship at its finest, creating the Jordan Brand that generated billions in revenue and established Nike as a global powerhouse. The deal demonstrated how innovation, relationship-building, and calculated risk-taking could transform entire industries. Raveling’s influence extended beyond the initial signing, as he later joined Nike as an executive, helping expand basketball’s global reach and creating opportunities for countless American athletes and businesses.
Guardian of American Civil Rights History
Raveling’s connection to American history runs deeper than sports, as he served as a living link to the civil rights movement through his stewardship of Martin Luther King Jr.’s original “I Have a Dream” speech. While volunteering as security at the 1963 March on Washington, Raveling obtained the handwritten copy directly from Dr. King himself. For nearly 60 years, he carefully preserved this priceless piece of American heritage, understanding its profound significance to our nation’s journey toward equality.
George Raveling, Hall of Fame coach and key Michael Jordan-Nike figure, dead at 88 https://t.co/ctiWAZxKwS pic.twitter.com/c918GkJVek
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) September 2, 2025
In 2021, Raveling donated the historic document to his alma mater, Villanova University, ensuring future generations could study and appreciate this cornerstone of American civil rights history. This act of preservation and generosity reflects the kind of patriotic stewardship that conservatives deeply appreciate – protecting our nation’s most important documents and stories for posterity. Raveling’s role as guardian of this speech demonstrates how individual Americans can serve as custodians of our shared heritage, preserving the legacy of those who fought for constitutional principles and equal justice under law.
Sources:
Washington State University Hall of Fame – George Raveling
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame – George Raveling
Washington State University – Cougar Legend George Raveling Passes Away at Age 88