Raveling returning to Pullman to be honored

Colorful basketball coach George Raveling, who won games and filled seats with equal aplomb during his coaching days at Washington State, is returning to the school he loves as part of the annual Dad’s Weekend celebration on campus.

Raveling, freshly anointed to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, will be saluted at WSU’s exhibition game with Pacific of Forest Grove, OR.,  at 6 p.m. Nov. 6. The “Flashback Friday” contest will be played at cozy old Bohler Gym, where WSU played when Raveling became the first African-American head coach in the Pacific-8 (now Pac-12) Conference in 1972-73.

“He’s done so much for college basketball, it’s going to be an honor to have him back in Pullman,” WSU coach Ernie Kent said.

Raveling, 78, coached the Cougars from 1972-73 through 1982-83. His 1979-80 and 1982-83 teams were the first WSU teams to play in the NCAA tournament since the 1940-41 squad lost to Wisconsin in the national title game. Raveling ranks third all-time in basketball coaching victories at WSU (167-136).

Earlier this year, Raveling told SportspressNW, “One of the most consistent questions I get is, ‘Of all the places you coached, which one did you like the most? What was your best job?’ I always say, unequivocally, Washington State.”

Free T-shirts emblazoned with Raveling’s photo and name will be donated to all spectators by Nike, for whom Raveling has long worked in international basketball circles. Bohler’s capacity is 2,427, so fans are encouraged to arrive early. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

Earlier in the day, Raveling and will speak at the Cougar Athletic Fund luncheon at the Valhalla Bar & Grill in Pullman. Pre-registration is encouraged by using the link here.