Jim Valvano Inducted in 1999
Jim Valvano
James Thomas Anthony Valvano (March 10, 1946 – April 28, 1993), nicknamed Jimmy V a Queens native was a three-sport athlete at Seaford High School in Long Island and graduated in 1963. Valvano was a point guard at Rutgers University, where he partnered with first-team All-American Bob Lloyd in the backcourt. Under the leadership of Valvano and Lloyd, Rutgers finished third in the 1967 National Invitation Tournament (NIT).
Jimmy V the coach, coach Vince Lombardi (football) was Valvano's role model. Valvano told an ESPY audience, on March 3, 1993, that he took some of Lombardi's inspirational speeches out of the book Commitment to Excellence, and used them with his team.
As a coach, Rutgers (assistant) (1967-69), John Hopkins (1969-70), Connecticut (assistant) (1970-72), Bucknell (1972-75), Iona (1975-80), and NC State (1980-90). Career highlights NCAA Division I (1983), 2 ACC tournaments (1983, 1987), and 2 ACC regular seasons (1985, 1989).
Life after coaching Valvano was a broadcaster for ESPN and ABC Sports, including a stint as a sideline reporter for the inaugural season of the World League of American Football.
Personal awards ACC Coach of The Year (1989), Arthur Ashe Courage Award, and Cable ACE Award for Commentator/Analyst.
Jimmy V the coach, coach Vince Lombardi (football) was Valvano's role model. Valvano told an ESPY audience, on March 3, 1993, that he took some of Lombardi's inspirational speeches out of the book Commitment to Excellence, and used them with his team.
As a coach, Rutgers (assistant) (1967-69), John Hopkins (1969-70), Connecticut (assistant) (1970-72), Bucknell (1972-75), Iona (1975-80), and NC State (1980-90). Career highlights NCAA Division I (1983), 2 ACC tournaments (1983, 1987), and 2 ACC regular seasons (1985, 1989).
Life after coaching Valvano was a broadcaster for ESPN and ABC Sports, including a stint as a sideline reporter for the inaugural season of the World League of American Football.
Personal awards ACC Coach of The Year (1989), Arthur Ashe Courage Award, and Cable ACE Award for Commentator/Analyst.