Ray Meyer

Ray Meyer (December 18, 1913 – March 5, 2018) was a prominent American basketball player and coach, best known for his contributions to the sport during the mid-20th century. He played collegiate basketball at DePaul University, where he excelled as a forward and helped lead the team to numerous victories, earning acclaim for his scoring ability and tactical acumen.

After his playing career, Meyer transitioned into coaching, taking the helm of the DePaul Blue Demons men's basketball team in 1942. Over the next four decades, he established himself as one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history, accumulating over 700 career wins and leading the team to multiple NCAA tournament appearances, including a final four run in 1979.

Meyer’s legacy extends beyond his win-loss record; he was instrumental in elevating the profile of DePaul basketball and mentoring several players who went on to successful professional careers. His influence and dedication to the sport earned him induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1979, solidifying his status as a key figure in the history of American basketball.