Illinois State University Athletics

INSTITUTIONAL GREAT 

Longtime basketball coach led his teams to 570 victories, three Final Four appearances and six Sweet 16 appearances … a two-time national coach of the year (including 2011 Naismith, NABC and Adolph Rupp honors) and recipient of the prestigious 2015 John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching Award … was a two-year letterwinner at Illinois State as a member of the basketball team … was a senior on ISU’s 1966-67 squad that placed fourth in the NCAA Division II national tournament … completed work on his bachelor's degree at ISU in physical education and math in 1967 and earned a master's degree in physical education in 1968 … following his collegiate playing career, became a successful prep coach at Rich East High School, accumulating a 127-74 record … in 1979, joined Western Michigan’s staff as an assistant and after three years, earned an assistant position at Michigan … was in that spot when Wolverines' head coach Bill Frieder accepted the job at Arizona State days before the 1989 NCAA Tournament and he proceeded to take over as interim head coach, leading Michigan to six wins and the national championship …  guided the "Fab Five" to NCAA runner-up finishes in 1991 and 1992 and finished with a record of 84-82 at Michigan … in 1999, was hired by San Diego State and guided the Aztecs to an 11-season streak of 20 or more wins … posted a record 386-209 in 18 seasons at SDSU and led the Aztecs to a Mountain West-record 10 conference titles, eight NCAA Tournaments and 13 postseason appearances … retired from coaching prior to the 2017 season and currently serves as a special consultant for SDSU.