RIP George Raveling
- Thread starter Zstatman
- Start date
guffus
Well-Known Member
For a couple years after he left Iowa, it was the best of both worlds. Tom Davis coaching George Ravelings recruits.
In today's world, all of Raveling's recruits would have followed him to USC, then they still woild have to play a Big Ten schedule.
SwirlinLingerie
Well-Known Member
Or maybe Tom Davis could have been an assistant coach for Raveling, teaching the press.
It's crazy to me that George Raveling coached Washington State starting in 1972, and lasted for 11 years in Pullman. Honest to god, he must have been one of about seven black people in town. I'd love to know more about those years - I'm sure he must have had some pretty interesting stories.
Historic figure in the basketball world. And really added an interesting chapter to Iowa's rich tradition in the sport in the latter half of the 20th century.
BigD
Well-Known Member
I couldn't agree more. If he had a weak spot, it was his challenges at making during game adjustments. That is one of Tom's strong points, so YES, your point is well taken that the two of them together would have made one hell of a coaching staff.
I always liked George and enjoyed his insights into the game. It would have been interesting to see his Iowa offenses go up against Fran's offenses. I'd put my money on George in that matchup. For one thing, George did teach defense.
thedukeofearl
Well-Known Member
I'd heard this story about him a long time ago and it's pretty amazing. He was front and center for when MLK gave his most famous I have a dream speech. Once it was over MLK walked off the stage and gave the written speech to Raveling who happened be security on the stage. He had it all the way til 2021 when he donated it to Villanova his alma mater. He'd been offered millions for it over the years but never considered it. Pretty wild that he then went on to become who he did.
SwirlinLingerie
Well-Known Member
It's amazing to think what might have been had he stuck around Iowa City. Everyone talks about what Davis did with Raveling's recruits, but what would George have done with his recruits? The big three were primed to take a big jump for their sophomore years. No doubt Davis gets credit for 86-87, but Raveling might have coached them to similar or even greater heights.
And its interesting to think about what the program might have looked like with Raveling continuing to recruit at an elite level, particularly once Iowa had the breakout year in 86-87. Maybe there is a consistent pipeline from Chicago and Detroit?
Raveling was beloved in Pullman, and probably would have become a similar figure in Iowa City after a big year. I read about the upsets of UCLA he pulled at WSU, and how he had the third best record in the conference after UCLA and Oregon State (Ralph Miller) over his final 8 years. (Had to do a complete build his first couple years).
He was just getting started in Iowa City and a deep NCAA run would have likely strengthened his relationship with fans and the state. You have to wonder about the magnitude of program he might have built in Iowa City. All the pieces were there.
And its interesting to think about what the program might have looked like with Raveling continuing to recruit at an elite level, particularly once Iowa had the breakout year in 86-87. Maybe there is a consistent pipeline from Chicago and Detroit?
Raveling was beloved in Pullman, and probably would have become a similar figure in Iowa City after a big year. I read about the upsets of UCLA he pulled at WSU, and how he had the third best record in the conference after UCLA and Oregon State (Ralph Miller) over his final 8 years. (Had to do a complete build his first couple years).
He was just getting started in Iowa City and a deep NCAA run would have likely strengthened his relationship with fans and the state. You have to wonder about the magnitude of program he might have built in Iowa City. All the pieces were there.
