Deaths on January 26

Al McGuire

Died on January 26, 2001

Al McGuire, American basketball player and coach (b. 1928)

Alfred James McGuire (September 7, 1928 – January 26, 2001) was a towering figure in American college basketball, leaving an indelible mark as both an innovative coach and a captivating national television broadcaster. Born in New York City, McGuire's journey in basketball spanned decades, culminating in a revered status that transcended the sport itself.

The Transformative Coaching Tenure at Marquette University

McGuire's most celebrated coaching role was as the head coach for Marquette University's men's basketball program, a position he held with distinction from 1964 to 1977. During his 13 seasons, he meticulously built the Marquette Warriors (now Golden Eagles) into a national powerhouse, transforming a regional program into one that consistently contended for national honors. His unconventional coaching methods, sharp wit, and deep understanding of the game resonated deeply with his players and captivated fans. Under McGuire, Marquette compiled an impressive overall record of 295 wins and 80 losses, boasting a remarkable winning percentage of .787, illustrating his profound impact on the program's success.

A National Championship Triumph

The crowning achievement of McGuire's coaching career came in his final season, 1976-77, when he led Marquette to its first and only NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship. In a memorable championship game on March 28, 1977, held in Atlanta, Georgia, his Marquette squad defeated Dean Smith's North Carolina Tar Heels by a score of 67-59. This victory marked a perfect farewell for McGuire, who had announced his retirement prior to the tournament, making the triumph even more poignant and celebrated as a storybook ending to an illustrious coaching chapter that solidified his legendary status.

From Sidelines to Broadcast Booth: A Distinctive Voice

Following his retirement from coaching, McGuire seamlessly transitioned into a highly successful career as a national television basketball broadcaster. For many years, he became a familiar and beloved voice for college basketball fans across the United States, primarily working for NBC and CBS. His broadcasting style was as distinctive and engaging as his coaching persona: characterized by candid observations, insightful analysis, and an unparalleled ability to articulate the nuances of the game in plain, colorful language. McGuire's unique lexicon, often peppered with quirky analogies and memorable one-liners such as "The best thing about freshmen is that they become sophomores," made him one of the most entertaining and sought-after commentators of his era, bringing the game to life for millions of viewers and adding a distinct flavor to sports commentary.

The Colorful Persona of Al McGuire and Hall of Fame Recognition

Beyond his tactical genius and broadcast acumen, McGuire was renowned for his vibrant and often eccentric personality. He was known for his unconventional superstitions, his philosophical musings on life and basketball, and his genuine, often humorous, interactions with everyone he met. His "colorful personality" was not merely a public facade; it was an authentic expression of a man who lived life on his own terms, inspiring loyalty and admiration from players, colleagues, and fans alike. In recognition of his profound impact on the sport, Alfred James McGuire was deservedly inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992. This prestigious honor acknowledges his exceptional contributions as a coach who achieved the pinnacle of collegiate success and as a broadcaster who significantly elevated the viewing experience for a national audience, solidifying his legacy as one of basketball's most influential and iconic figures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Al McGuire

When did Al McGuire coach Marquette University?: Al McGuire served as the head coach for the Marquette University men's basketball team from the 1964-65 season through the 1976-77 season, a period of 13 transformative years during which he built the program into a national contender.
Did Al McGuire win a national championship?: Yes, Al McGuire famously led the Marquette Warriors to their sole NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship in his final season, defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 67-59 in the 1977 title game, a storybook ending to his coaching career.
What was Al McGuire known for besides coaching?: Beyond his highly successful coaching career, Al McGuire was widely recognized for his long tenure as a national television basketball broadcaster for networks like NBC and CBS, where his unique insights and famously "colorful personality" made him a beloved figure in sports commentary.
When was Al McGuire inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame?: Al McGuire's significant contributions to basketball as both a coaching legend and a captivating broadcaster were formally recognized with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992, celebrating his enduring legacy in the sport.

References

Al McGuire

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Events on 2001

6 May

Pope John Paul II
During a trip to Syria, Pope John Paul II becomes the first pope to enter a mosque.
11 Sep

September 11 attacks
Two hijacked aircraft crash into the World Trade Center in New York City, while a third smashes into The Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia, and a fourth into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, in a series of coordinated suicide attacks by 19 members of al-Qaeda. A total of 2,996 people are killed.
14 Sep

September 11, 2001 attacks
Historic National Prayer Service held at Washington National Cathedral for victims of the September 11 attacks. A similar service is held in Canada on Parliament Hill, the largest vigil ever held in the nation's capital.
17 Sep

September 11 attacks
The New York Stock Exchange reopens for trading after the September 11 attacks, the longest closure since the Great Depression.
7 Oct

War in Afghanistan (2001-2014)
The Global War on Terrorism begins as a result of the September 11 attacks. The U.S. invasion of Afghanistan initiates with an air assault and covert operations on the ground.