Hall of Fame Coach, Nike Executive George Raveling Dies at 88

George Raveling, a Hall of Fame basketball coach and influential Nike executive, passed away at 88 after a battle with cancer. He was a pioneering African American coach in the Pac-8, leading Washington State, Iowa, and USC to multiple NCAA tournament appearances and earning three Pac-10 Coach of the Year honors. Raveling played a crucial role in convincing Michael Jordan to sign with Nike during the 1984 Olympics, significantly shaping the sports marketing landscape and the Jordan Brand's global success. Beyond basketball, he worked security at the 1963 March on Washington and was gifted the original "I Have a Dream" speech by Martin Luther King Jr., which he later donated to Villanova University. Raveling's legacy is celebrated for his coaching achievements, mentorship, and lasting impact on sports and civil rights history. He was portrayed by Marlon Wayans in the 2023 film "Air," highlighting his role in Nike's rise.