Royce Waltman, American basketball player and coach (d. 2014)
Remembering Royce Waltman: A Legacy in College Basketball Coaching
Remembered as a highly influential American college basketball coach, Royce Waltman, born on January 8, 1942, left an indelible mark on the sport before his passing on April 7, 2014, at the age of 72, following a period of declining health. His career, spanning three distinct NCAA divisions, showcased a remarkable ability to build and sustain successful programs.
A Distinguished Coaching Career Across Collegiate Divisions
Coach Waltman’s professional coaching journey was characterized by consistent excellence across different competitive landscapes:
Indiana State University (1997–2007): As head coach of this NCAA Division I program, Waltman revitalized the Sycamores, famously leading them to the NCAA National Tournament in 2001. This achievement marked a significant turning point for the program and is often highlighted as one of his career pinnacles, bringing national attention back to Indiana State basketball.
University of Indianapolis (1992–1997 & 2007–2008): Waltman also held the head coaching position at the NCAA Division II University of Indianapolis Greyhounds for two separate stints. His initial tenure laid a strong foundation, and he returned for the 2007–08 season, further cementing his connection with the institution.
DePauw University (1988–1992): His impactful coaching career began as head coach at DePauw University, an NCAA Division III institution. Here, he established a winning culture that would become a hallmark of his subsequent programs, proving his foundational coaching skills at the collegiate level.
Remarkable Achievements and Program Building
A true testament to his coaching prowess, Royce Waltman achieved several significant milestones throughout his collegiate career:
Consistent Winning Across Divisions: He notably secured 100 or more victories at each of the three institutions where he served as head coach—Indiana State (NCAA D-I), University of Indianapolis (NCAA D-II), and DePauw University (NCAA D-III). This rare achievement underscores his consistent ability to develop successful teams regardless of the collegiate competitive level.
NCAA Tournament Appearances: Demonstrating his unique versatility and program-building capabilities, Waltman led all three programs to the prestigious NCAA National Tournament. This is a truly uncommon feat across Division I, II, and III, highlighting his strategic acumen and player development skills.
Conference Dominance: Under his guidance, each of his teams also claimed both regular season and tournament championships within their respective conferences, showcasing his capacity for sustained excellence and championship-level performance year after year.
Overall Record: His impressive collegiate coaching record stands at 337 wins against 263 losses, resulting in a robust winning percentage of .562, reflecting a career dedicated to winning basketball and impactful leadership.
Beyond the Court: A Voice in Indiana Basketball
After his full-time coaching roles, Waltman remained deeply connected to the sport he loved. He served as a respected color commentator for Indiana basketball broadcasts on radio, offering insightful analysis and sharing his extensive knowledge of the game with a broader audience, thereby continuing to contribute to the state's rich basketball culture.
The Enduring Influence: Royce Waltman's Coaching Tree
The profound impact of Royce Waltman extends far beyond his own coaching record, best encapsulated by the distinguished "Waltman Coaching Tree." This network of successful coaches, many of whom played for him or served on his staff, continues to shape collegiate basketball and serves as a testament to his mentorship and guidance:
- Greg Lansing
- Succeeded Waltman as the head coach at Indiana State University, leading the Sycamores from 2010 to 2021 and notably securing an NIT appearance, carrying on the program's legacy.
- Brad Brownell
- Currently the successful head coach at Clemson University (NCAA Division I) with multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, Brownell played for Coach Waltman during his tenure at DePauw University, a clear example of Waltman's early influence on future coaching leaders.
- Rick Ray
- A former head coach at Southeast Missouri State University and Mississippi State University, Ray coached alongside Waltman at Indiana State, gaining valuable Division I experience that propelled his own head coaching career.
- Kareem Richardson
- Formerly the head coach at the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC), Richardson's career also benefited significantly from his association with Waltman's coaching philosophy and staff development.
- Stan Gouard
- Currently the head coach at the University of Southern Indiana (USI) at the NCAA Division I level, Gouard brings the Waltman influence to his own program, having previously led the Screaming Eagles successfully in Division II.
- Mike McGrath
- The current head coach at the University of Chicago (NCAA Division III), McGrath represents another branch of Waltman's enduring impact, particularly within the academic-focused Division III environment, showcasing Waltman's diverse reach.
- Todd Sturgeon
- Waltman's former assistant at the University of Indianapolis, Sturgeon stepped into the head coaching role at UIndy and led the Greyhounds for 10 seasons, demonstrating the direct succession of Waltman's coaching principles and leadership.
- Dick Bender
- A long-time assistant under Waltman, Bender currently serves as an assistant coach on Brad Brownell's staff at Clemson, continuing to apply the lessons learned from his time with Waltman at the highest level of college basketball.
Frequently Asked Questions About Royce Waltman
- Who was Royce Waltman?
- Royce Waltman was a celebrated American college basketball coach, active from 1988 to 2008, who achieved significant success across NCAA Division I, Division II, and Division III programs.
- What were Royce Waltman's major coaching achievements?
- He uniquely won 100 or more games at each of the three schools he coached (Indiana State, University of Indianapolis, DePauw), led all three to the NCAA National Tournament, and guided them to both regular season and tournament conference championships. His career collegiate record was 337–263 (.562).
- Which notable coaches are part of the Royce Waltman coaching tree?
- The extensive Waltman coaching tree includes prominent figures such as current NCAA Division I coach Brad Brownell (Clemson), former Indiana State head coach Greg Lansing, and former head coaches Rick Ray and Kareem Richardson, among others who were either his players or assistants.
- What was Royce Waltman's role outside of coaching?
- After his primary coaching career concluded, Royce Waltman transitioned into a respected role as a color commentator for Indiana basketball broadcasts on radio, providing expert analysis for fans.
- When did Royce Waltman pass away?
- Royce Waltman passed away on April 7, 2014, at the age of 72, after a period of declining health, leaving behind a profound legacy in college basketball.