Statement from Iowa Hawkeyes Men’s Basketball Head Coach Ben McCollum on the Passing of George Raveling
The basketball world has lost one of its most important figures, and the Iowa Hawkeyes community is in mourning. Following the news of the passing of George Raveling, Iowa men’s basketball head coach Ben McCollum issued 
a heartfelt statement honoring the Hall of Famer’s legacy and the indelible mark he left on the game, on Iowa, and on generations of players and coaches.
> “We are deeply saddened by the passing of George Raveling,” McCollum said. “One of the game’s giants, George was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015 and will forever be remembered as a pioneer, a leader, and an inspiration. His contributions stretched far beyond wins and losses—he shaped lives, broke barriers, and elevated the sport of basketball on a global scale.”
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A Trailblazer in Iowa History
George Raveling made history in 1983 when he was named head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes men’s basketball team, becoming the first African American head coach in Big Ten men’s basketball history. His hiring was not just a sports decision but a landmark moment in representation and inclusion within college athletics.
During his three seasons at Iowa (1983–1986), Raveling led the Hawkeyes to two NCAA Tournament appearances and maintained a competitive program in one of the toughest conferences in the nation. While he never secured a Big Ten championship or national title during his tenure in Iowa City, his presence and leadership changed the program’s trajectory and paved the way for more diversity in coaching.
Coach McCollum reflected on that impact:
> “George’s tenure here at Iowa may have been brief, but his influence was profound. He showed what was possible, not only for the Hawkeyes but for every young coach and player watching. He was proof that basketball could open doors far beyond the court.”
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Beyond the Sidelines
Raveling’s career went well beyond Iowa. Before joining the Hawkeyes, he had success at Washington State University, leading the Cougars to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 39 years. After leaving Iowa, he took the helm at USC, where he continued to push programs forward and mentor athletes.
But Raveling’s greatest impact wasn’t limited to coaching records. He was a visionary contributor to the game. After coaching, he worked with Nike as the company’s Director of International Basketball, helping to grow the sport globally and promote its values to new generations of athletes.
McCollum acknowledged this broader contribution:
> “George didn’t just coach the game—he grew the game. His work with Nike and his passion for expanding basketball internationally touched lives in every corner of the world. His legacy is one of vision, courage, and transformation.”
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The Hall of Fame Recognition
In 2015, George Raveling was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor. This honor reflected his career not just as a coach but as a leader and ambassador for the sport. He was also inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.
These honors acknowledged his decades of service to basketball, his advocacy for inclusion, and his role as a mentor to countless players and coaches.
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A Life Larger Than Basketball
One often overlooked but remarkable fact about George Raveling was his connection to history beyond the game. In 1963, while serving as a volunteer security guard at the March on Washington, he was handed the original copy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Raveling preserved the speech as a symbol of the civil rights movement and as a reminder of the deep intersection between sports, culture, and social change.
This moment solidified Raveling as more than just a coach—he was a custodian of history, a man who stood at the crossroads of sport and society.
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McCollum’s Personal Reflection
As the newly appointed head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Ben McCollum has been tasked with guiding the program into a new era. In his statement, he made clear that Raveling’s life serves as an inspiration for his own leadership.
> “For me, George Raveling embodies the standard we all aspire to as coaches—not just building successful teams, but building character, opening opportunities, and standing for something greater than ourselves. His passing is a loss for basketball, but his legacy will continue to light the way for all of us.”
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Remembering His Legacy
Raveling’s passing has reverberated throughout the basketball community. From former players to fellow coaches and sports executives, tributes have poured in highlighting his generosity, mentorship, and groundbreaking achievements.
At Iowa, he will always be remembered as a trailblazer who broke barriers in the Big Ten.
In college basketball, he is celebrated as a coach who demanded excellence and gave his players the tools to succeed.
In the world, he will forever be connected to one of the most iconic moments in American history, holding the words of Dr. King’s dream in his hands.
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Closing Thoughts
The Iowa Hawkeyes men’s basketball family, under Coach McCollum, now carries forward the torch Raveling once held. His death is a solemn reminder of the giants who paved the way for today’s coaches and players, and his story remains an inspiration to anyone striving to make a difference through sport.
Ben McCollum concluded his statement with words that resonate deeply:
> “We honor George Raveling not just for what he accomplished, but for who he was—a pioneer, a leader, and a dreamer. He may be gone, but his spirit will forever remain part of the fabric of Iowa basketball and the game we all love.”