Rutgers dedicates basketball court to coach Jim Valvano

Jim Valvano played point guard for the 1967 Rutgers team.

The Rutgers University Scarlett Knights will name a basketball court at the College Avenue Gym in honor of coach Jim Valvano, according to Ryan Dunleavy and Jerry Carino of the Asbury Park Press.

The announcement of Jim Valvano Court came at a gala honoring the 1967 Rutgers men’s basketball team.

Valvano played point guard for the 1967 Rutgers team that finished third in the 1967 National Invitation Tournament. His coaching career started at Rutgers as the freshman coach and assistant for the varsity after his graduation.

Valvano went on to coach at Johns Hopkins, Bucknell, Iona and North Carolina State. He won the NCAA championship at NC State in the 1982–1983 season. He finished his career with a 346–210.

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Just eight weeks after delivering his famous “Don't ever give up” speech at the ESPYs, Valvano died of metastatic cancer in 1993.

The 1967 Rutgers basketball team will also be honored at halftime of Saturday's game against Seton Hall.

- Christopher Chavez