George Raveling, a Hall of Fame basketball coach known for his significant influence on Michael Jordan's endorsement deal with Nike, has passed away at the age of 88. Raveling's family announced his death, stating he faced cancer with "courage and grace." They expressed their deep sorrow, saying, "There are no words to fully capture what George meant to his family, friends, colleagues, former players, and assistants — and to the world. He will be profoundly missed, yet his aura, energy, divine presence, and timeless wisdom live on in all those he touched and transformed."

Raveling's coaching career spanned over three decades, during which he compiled a record of 335 wins and 293 losses. He served as head coach at Washington State, Iowa, and the University of Southern California from 1972 to 1994. Despite facing challenges in his first seasons at each school, he led his teams to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. His success earned him a spot on the U.S. Olympic basketball coaching staff for the 1984 and 1988 games.

Notably, Raveling played a pivotal role in Jordan's decision to sign with Nike in 1984, shortly after Jordan left the University of North Carolina to join the Chicago Bulls. Raveling introduced Jordan to Sonny Vaccaro at Nike, which led to a groundbreaking contract that established the Air Jordan brand. Jordan later reflected, "I signed with Nike because of George, and without him, there would be no Air Jordan."

In 2015, Raveling was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He was also portrayed by actor Marlon Wayans in the 2023 film "Air," which depicted Nike's efforts to secure Jordan as a brand ambassador. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Raveling as "a pioneering force" in basketball, noting his global impact through his work at Nike, where he mentored generations of players and coaches.

Raveling's legacy extends beyond basketball. He was present at the 1963 March on Washington, where he was assigned as security. During the event, he famously asked Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for a copy of his "I Have a Dream" speech, which King graciously handed to him. Raveling kept this historic document private for many years before donating it to Villanova University in 2021.

Raveling played college basketball at Villanova from 1957 to 1960, where he averaged 12.3 points and 14.6 rebounds in his final two seasons. Although he was drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors in 1960, he did not play in the NBA. His contributions to the sport and his mentorship have left a lasting impact on many, including former Villanova coach Jay Wright, who described him as "the finest human being, inspiring mentor, most loyal alum and a thoughtful loving friend."

Current Villanova coach Kevin Willard acknowledged Raveling's profound influence on the game and expressed gratitude for his contributions to the program. Raveling's life was marked by resilience, mentorship, and a commitment to the sport he loved.