PULLMAN, Wash. – Former Washington State University men's basketball coach, George Raveling, will return to Pullman and be honored at the 'Flashback Friday' exhibition game against Pacific out of Forest Grove, Ore., Friday, Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. at Bohler Gym.
Bohler Gym was home to the men's basketball team until the 1973-74 season when Beasley Coliseum was completed. Raveling coached at WSU beginning with the 1972-73 season until 1982-83, as his first season with the Cougars was the team's last in Bohler Gym. Raveling is the third-winningest coach in Washington State history with a 167-136 record in 11 seasons, leading two teams to the NCAA Tournament (1980 and 1983).
To honor him, Nike has donated t-shirts with Raveling's picture on them for all of those who attend WSU's 'Flashback Friday' game. Capacity for the game is 2,427. There is no charge for admission to the game, as fans are encouraged to get there early to ensure a seat. Doors open 90 minutes prior to tipoff.
Raveling and WSU second-year head coach Ernie Kent will speak at Cougar Athletic Fund's Friday luncheon, Nov. 6, which it holds each Friday of home football weekends. The luncheon will take place at Valhalla Bar and Grill with doors opening at 11:30 a.m. and lunch and the program beginning at noon. The cost for CAF members is $20 and for non-CAF members is $25. Pre-registration is encouraged and available online HERE.
Following his time at WSU, Raveling coached at Iowa (1984-86) and then at USC (1987-94), taking four more teams to the NCAA Tournament. Following basketball and a brief stint with Fox Sports and CBS as a color commentator, Raveling took on the job of Director of Grass Roots Basketball for Nike. He was promoted to Director of Global Basketball in 2000, then director of International Basketball for Nike.
Raveling was inducted into Washington State Athletics' Hall of Fame in 2004, the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013, and most recently, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015. An active member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), Raveling served as the organization's president from 1995-96.
WSU's basketball exhibition game is in conjunction with 'Dad's Weekend' at Washington State, as the football team will take on Arizona State the following day, Saturday, Nov. 7 at 12:30 p.m. at Martin Stadium. Raveling will be the Cougars' honorary flag raiser for that game, and will raise the flag prior to kickoff.