Legendary Pacers, Bradley Coach Dick Versace Dies at Age 81

Versace led the Pacers to their third franchise NBA playoffs in his three-year coaching career there.

The Pacers organization announced the death of former coach Dick Versace on Saturday. He was 81 years old.

Versace’s cause of death is unknown at this time.

The Indiana Pacers are saddened to learn of the passing of former head coach Dick Versace. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/7PeVCdKnUy

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) February 26, 2022

Versace coached the Pacers in parts of three seasons from 1988-91. He took over 19 games into the 1988-89 season, then was fired after 25 games in the 1990-91 season. However, in his only full season with the team in 1989-90, Versace helped the team go 42-40 and make the playoffs for just the third time in the franchise’s history.

Previously, Versace coached at Bradley University from 1978-86. His overall record while there was 156-88. The team made the NCAA tournament twice in his tenure, making it only to the second round in 1986. They were also NIT Champions in 1982. Additionally, Bradley won three Missouri Valley Conference championships and two MVC tournament titles with Versace.

Bradley posted a tribute to the late coach on Saturday.

Our thoughts are with the family of former Bradley head coach Dick Versace as the two-time MVC Coach of the Year who led BU from 1978 to 1986 passed away at the age of 81 on Fridayhttps://t.co/wvqsaFxFYK pic.twitter.com/B4MTjFhiPy

— Bradley Basketball (@BradleyUMBB) February 26, 2022

UC Davis basketball coach Jim Les played under Versace at Bradley from 1983-86. Les posted a picture of him and Versace on Twitter following the news.

“A good coach can change a game… A great coach can change a life”
RIP Coach Versace pic.twitter.com/Z0NEP0xT3x

— Jim Les (@CoachJimLes) February 26, 2022