Steve Lavin
Encyclopedia
Steve Lavin is an American basketball
coach and former player. He is currently the head men's basketball coach at St. John's University in Queens, New York. Lavin previously served as the head coach for UCLA
.
At UCLA from 1996 to 2003, Lavin compiled a record of 145-78. In his inaugural season as head coach, he directed the Bruins to the 1997 Pac-10 Championship and the NCAA Elite Eight with an overall record of 24-8. As both an assistant and head coach, Lavin participated in 13 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances (1990–2002), while working at Purdue University and UCLA. During Lavin's tenure as a head coach, he was one of only two coaches in the country, along with Duke's Mike Krzyzewski, to lead his team to five NCAA "Sweet 16s" in six years ('02, '01, '00, '98, '97). Lavin guided UCLA to six consecutive seasons of 20 or more wins, as well as six consecutive NCAA tournament appearances.
, where he played on the basketball team. He transferred to Chapman University
, from which he graduated in 1988 with a bachelor's degree in communications.
Lavin's coaching career began in 1988 when he was hired as an assistant by Big Ten Purdue
head coach Gene Keady
. After three years of picking up valuable experience on the Boilermaker
staff, Lavin was offered an opportunity to come back west when UCLA head coach Jim Harrick
hired him as a Bruin assistant in 1991. Lavin was an assistant coach on the Bruins 1995 national championship team that finished with a 32-1 record.
Later that same season on February 11, 1997, with the Bruins tied for first place in the Pac-10 with an 8-3 record, Lavin was rewarded by having the interim tag lifted to become as UCLA's 11th head coach in school history. After Lavin was named permanent head coach, the Bruins won their next 11 games, before being eliminated by the Minnesota Gophers in the NCAA Midwest Regional Final. In seven seasons as head coach Lavin’s record was 12-4 in games involving overtime. Additionally Lavin's Bruins had a 10-4 record against the rival USC Trojans. In one stretch (1997–2002) Lavin’s Bruins compiled nine consecutive overtime victories, including victories over Arizona, Cincinnati (2002 NCAA second round double overtime victory over No. 1 West Region seed), Kentucky, and over then #1 ranked Stanford.
By the 2002-2003 season, Lavin was under immense pressure due to failing to win a Pac-10 title after his initial season despite stockpiling top rated talent. In March 2003, Lavin had his first losing season (10-19) was relieved of his duties. (Source: Sports Illustrated March 17, 2003)
(New Orleans Hornets), Matt Barnes
(Los Angeles Lakers
), Baron Davis
(Cleveland Cavaliers
), Dan Gadzuric
(Milwaukee Bucks
), Ryan Hollins
(Minnesota Timberwolves
), Jason Kapono
(Philadelphia 76ers
), and Earl Watson
(Indiana Pacers
).
In seven seasons as head coach Lavin's record was 12-4 in games involving overtime. In one stretch (1997–2002) Lavin’s Bruins compiled nine consecutive overtime victories, including victories over Arizona, Cincinnati (2002 NCAA second round double overtime victory over No. 1 West Region seed), Kentucky, and over then #1 ranked Stanford). His Bruins team had a knack for knocking off #1 teams. Lavin lead his team to victory over the No. 1 team in the country in four consecutive collegiate seasons (Arizona ’03, Kansas ’02, Stanford ’01, and Stanford ’00).
at primetime college games around the country. Lavin shared with viewers his coaching perspective. Lavin’s perspective was forged over 15 years as a Division I college basketball coach at both UCLA and Purdue University. From 2007 to 2010 he had worked at the NBA Pre Draft Camp and NBA Draft in New York City
. He also called games for Jordan Classic Brand Basketball.
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
coach and former player. He is currently the head men's basketball coach at St. John's University in Queens, New York. Lavin previously served as the head coach for UCLA
University of California, Los Angeles
The University of California, Los Angeles is a public research university located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, USA. It was founded in 1919 as the "Southern Branch" of the University of California and is the second oldest of the ten campuses...
.
At UCLA from 1996 to 2003, Lavin compiled a record of 145-78. In his inaugural season as head coach, he directed the Bruins to the 1997 Pac-10 Championship and the NCAA Elite Eight with an overall record of 24-8. As both an assistant and head coach, Lavin participated in 13 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances (1990–2002), while working at Purdue University and UCLA. During Lavin's tenure as a head coach, he was one of only two coaches in the country, along with Duke's Mike Krzyzewski, to lead his team to five NCAA "Sweet 16s" in six years ('02, '01, '00, '98, '97). Lavin guided UCLA to six consecutive seasons of 20 or more wins, as well as six consecutive NCAA tournament appearances.
Early life
Lavin was born on September 4, 1964 in San Francisco. He attended Ross Grammer School where he first showed his abilities as an athlete, sport and news announcer, and student of sports and motivation. In grammar school he was known as 'The Big Cheese' by many for his playful antics and axillary abilities. He earned distinction and experience as a basketball player at Drake High School in Fairfax, CA where his team won the state championship. He initially attended San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco State University
San Francisco State University is a public university located in San Francisco, California. As part of the 23-campus California State University system, the university offers over 100 areas of study from nine academic colleges...
, where he played on the basketball team. He transferred to Chapman University
Chapman University
Chapman University is a private, non-profit university located in Orange, California affiliated with the Christian Church . Known for its blend of liberal arts and professional programs, Chapman University encompasses seven schools and colleges: Lawrence and Kristina Dodge College of Film and Media...
, from which he graduated in 1988 with a bachelor's degree in communications.
Lavin's coaching career began in 1988 when he was hired as an assistant by Big Ten Purdue
Purdue University
Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S., is the flagship university of the six-campus Purdue University system. Purdue was founded on May 6, 1869, as a land-grant university when the Indiana General Assembly, taking advantage of the Morrill Act, accepted a donation of land and...
head coach Gene Keady
Gene Keady
Lloyd Eugene "Gene" Keady is a basketball coach. Currently an assistant coach at St. John's, he is most notable for being the head basketball coach at Purdue University for 25 years, from 1980 to 2005.-Kansas State :...
. After three years of picking up valuable experience on the Boilermaker
Purdue Boilermakers men's basketball
The Purdue Boilermakers basketball team is a college basketball program that competes in NCAA Division I and is a member of the Big Ten Conference. Purdue basketball holds the record for most Big Ten Championships with 22, along with being the only program in the conference to boast winning records...
staff, Lavin was offered an opportunity to come back west when UCLA head coach Jim Harrick
Jim Harrick
Jim Harrick is an American former basketball coach who coached at Pepperdine University, UCLA, the University of Rhode Island and the University of Georgia over a combined total of 23 seasons.-Biography:...
hired him as a Bruin assistant in 1991. Lavin was an assistant coach on the Bruins 1995 national championship team that finished with a 32-1 record.
UCLA
UCLA shortly before the 1996 season fired Jim Harrick as a result of a cover-up of a recruiting violation. Due to the departure of seasoned assistants Mark Gottfried and Lorenzo Romar for head coaching jobs on the heel of the 1995 NCAA Championship season, Lavin was selected as interim head coach since he was at the time the assistant with the longest tenure on the UCLA staff.Later that same season on February 11, 1997, with the Bruins tied for first place in the Pac-10 with an 8-3 record, Lavin was rewarded by having the interim tag lifted to become as UCLA's 11th head coach in school history. After Lavin was named permanent head coach, the Bruins won their next 11 games, before being eliminated by the Minnesota Gophers in the NCAA Midwest Regional Final. In seven seasons as head coach Lavin’s record was 12-4 in games involving overtime. Additionally Lavin's Bruins had a 10-4 record against the rival USC Trojans. In one stretch (1997–2002) Lavin’s Bruins compiled nine consecutive overtime victories, including victories over Arizona, Cincinnati (2002 NCAA second round double overtime victory over No. 1 West Region seed), Kentucky, and over then #1 ranked Stanford.
By the 2002-2003 season, Lavin was under immense pressure due to failing to win a Pac-10 title after his initial season despite stockpiling top rated talent. In March 2003, Lavin had his first losing season (10-19) was relieved of his duties. (Source: Sports Illustrated March 17, 2003)
Recruiting
As head coach at UCLA, Lavin and his staff recruited and signed the No. 1 rated recruiting class in the country in 1998 and 2001. Lavin signed seven McDonald's High School All-Americans. Seven of Lavin’s former Bruin recruits are currently roster members of NBA teams: Trevor ArizaTrevor Ariza
Trevor Anthony Ariza is an American basketball player in the National Basketball Association who plays for the New Orleans Hornets. Primarily a small forward, he is listed at tall and 210 pounds.-Biography:...
(New Orleans Hornets), Matt Barnes
Matt Barnes
Matt Kelly Barnes is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association.-High school years:...
(Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
), Baron Davis
Baron Davis
Baron Walter Louis Davis is an American professional basketball player with the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA. Drafted as the third pick in the 1999 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets, Davis was a star at Crossroads School and UCLA....
(Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They began playing in the National Basketball Association in 1970 as an expansion team...
), Dan Gadzuric
Dan Gadzuric
Daniel "Dan" Gadzuric is a Dutch professional basketball player who plays for the Jiangsu Dragons in the CBA.Gadzuric, a center, attended preparatory school at The Governor's Academy in Massachusetts, U.S., before playing college basketball for the Bruins at University of California, Los Angeles...
(Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
), Ryan Hollins
Ryan Hollins
Ryan Kenwood Hollins is an American professional basketball player who is currently a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA. He is a 7-foot center who played collegiately for the UCLA Bruins.-High school:...
(Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are an American professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Founded in 1989, the team is currently owned by Glen Taylor...
), Jason Kapono
Jason Kapono
Jason Alan Kapono is an American professional basketball player who is a free agent. Drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of the 2003 NBA Draft, Kapono later also played for the Charlotte Bobcats, Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, and Philadelphia 76ers...
(Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers are a professional basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . Originally known as the Syracuse Nationals, they are one of the oldest franchises in the NBA...
), and Earl Watson
Earl Watson
Earl Joseph Watson, Jr. is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association . Watson is a graduate of Washington High School in Kansas City, Kansas...
(Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association...
).
Sweet 16
During Lavin’s tenure as head coach, the Bruins qualified for six consecutive NCAA Tournaments (1997–2002). During this period, Lavin became one of two coaches (along with Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski) to have led his team to five NCAA Sweet 16s in six seasons. Lavin’s record in the first and second rounds of the NCAA tournament is 10-1. Lavin’s winning percentage (90.9%) in the first two rounds, is second only to Dean Smith in NCAA Tournament history. However, Lavin also coached the Bruins to their only loss in an NCAA tournament game played in the State of California (a 2002 loss to Missouri in San Jose).In seven seasons as head coach Lavin's record was 12-4 in games involving overtime. In one stretch (1997–2002) Lavin’s Bruins compiled nine consecutive overtime victories, including victories over Arizona, Cincinnati (2002 NCAA second round double overtime victory over No. 1 West Region seed), Kentucky, and over then #1 ranked Stanford). His Bruins team had a knack for knocking off #1 teams. Lavin lead his team to victory over the No. 1 team in the country in four consecutive collegiate seasons (Arizona ’03, Kansas ’02, Stanford ’01, and Stanford ’00).
Television career
After being relieved of his duties at UCLA in 2003, Lavin shortly thereafter signed a multi-year broadcasting deal with ABC and ESPN. Lavin made regular appearances on ESPN College GameNight and also provided color-commentary alongside his partner Brent MusburgerBrent Musburger
Brent Woody Musburger is an American sportscaster for the ESPN and ABC television networks. Formerly with CBS Sports and one of the original members of their legendary program The NFL Today, Musburger has covered NASCAR, NBA, MLB, NCAA football and basketball games. Musburger has also served as a...
at primetime college games around the country. Lavin shared with viewers his coaching perspective. Lavin’s perspective was forged over 15 years as a Division I college basketball coach at both UCLA and Purdue University. From 2007 to 2010 he had worked at the NBA Pre Draft Camp and NBA Draft in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. He also called games for Jordan Classic Brand Basketball.
St. John's
In 2010, Lavin was hired as the head men's basketball coach at St. John's University. In his first season at St. John's, he led the university to its first spot in the NCAA Tournament since 2002.Awards/honors
- 1997 - International Inspiration Award from the Hugh O'Brien Youth Foundation (HOBY)
- 1998 - Chapman UniversityChapman UniversityChapman University is a private, non-profit university located in Orange, California affiliated with the Christian Church . Known for its blend of liberal arts and professional programs, Chapman University encompasses seven schools and colleges: Lawrence and Kristina Dodge College of Film and Media...
Alumnus of the Year (also serves on Board of Governors at Chapman University) - 1998 - Honorary member of the Golden Key National Honor Society at UCLA
- 2005 - Distinguished Alumni award from the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts from Chapman UniversityChapman UniversityChapman University is a private, non-profit university located in Orange, California affiliated with the Christian Church . Known for its blend of liberal arts and professional programs, Chapman University encompasses seven schools and colleges: Lawrence and Kristina Dodge College of Film and Media...