Fred Schaus, American basketball player and coach (b. 1925)

Frederick Appleton Schaus: A Multifaceted Basketball Legend and Visionary Leader

Frederick Appleton Schaus, widely known as Fred Schaus (June 30, 1925 – February 10, 2010), was a towering figure in American basketball whose illustrious career spanned an incredible range of roles, including a decorated player, an innovative head coach, a strategic general manager, and a transformative athletic director. Born in Newark, Ohio, Schaus dedicated his life to the sport, leaving an indelible mark on both collegiate and professional basketball. His journey is a testament to exceptional versatility and an unwavering commitment to excellence, influencing institutions from West Virginia University and Purdue to the storied franchises of the NBA, the Fort Wayne Pistons, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Lakers, as well as the overarching structure of college hoops through the NCAA Basketball Committee.

The Formative Years and Collegiate Stardom at West Virginia University

Schaus's profound impact on basketball began in his playing days. He was a celebrated collegiate athlete, starring for the West Virginia University Mountaineers. His exceptional prowess on the court earned him All-American honors, cementing his legacy as one of WVU's most revered players. This foundational period as a player at his alma mater provided Schaus with a deep understanding of the game's nuances, a critical asset for his subsequent leadership roles in coaching and administration.

Professional Playing Career: From Fort Wayne Pistons to New York Knicks

Following a distinguished collegiate career, Fred Schaus transitioned to the professional ranks, showcasing his talents in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played for two notable franchises during his professional playing stint: the Fort Wayne Pistons and the New York Knicks. This experience as an NBA player afforded him invaluable firsthand insight into the league's competitive environment, player dynamics, and strategic demands—knowledge that would prove indispensable in his future roles as both a coach and a general manager at the highest level of the sport.

A Legendary Coaching Stint at West Virginia University

Fred Schaus made a significant return to his alma mater, West Virginia University, taking on the role of head coach for the Mountaineers basketball program from 1956 to 1960. During his highly successful four-year tenure, Schaus amassed an impressive coaching record of 100 wins against just 28 losses. Most notably, he guided the Mountaineers, featuring future NBA Hall of Famer Jerry West, to the 1959 NCAA Championship game, where they narrowly fell to California. His leadership during this period elevated WVU into a national basketball powerhouse, setting a high standard for collegiate coaching excellence.

Guiding the Los Angeles Lakers: From Head Coach to General Manager

Schaus's influence on the professional game dramatically expanded when he took the helm as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers from 1960 to 1967. Under his strategic guidance, the Lakers, powered by superstar talents like Jerry West and Elgin Baylor, achieved remarkable success, reaching the NBA Finals six times during his tenure. Although they famously fell short in each of those championship series, predominantly against the formidable Boston Celtics dynasty, Schaus solidified the Lakers' status as a perennial contender. After his impactful coaching career, Schaus transitioned into the crucial role of general manager for the Lakers. In this capacity, he continued to shape the franchise's destiny through shrewd roster management, notably playing a pivotal role in the acquisition of legendary center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a move that would ultimately lead to future championships and establish one of the NBA's most dominant dynasties.

Purdue University: A Return to Collegiate Coaching Success

After his transformative years in the NBA, Fred Schaus returned to the collegiate coaching ranks, accepting the head coach position at Purdue University, where he led the Boilermakers from 1972 to 1978. At Purdue, he continued to demonstrate his exceptional coaching acumen and ability to build successful programs. A significant achievement during this period was leading the Boilermakers to win the prestigious National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship in 1974. This accomplishment further underscored his versatility and enduring capacity to develop and lead competitive basketball teams across different levels of the sport.

Visionary Athletic Director at West Virginia University

Completing a full circle in his illustrious career, Fred Schaus once again returned to West Virginia University, this time assuming the critical administrative role of Athletic Director from 1978 to 1989. As the Athletic Director, Schaus was entrusted with overseeing the entire intercollegiate athletics program. His forward-thinking leadership during this period catalyzed significant growth and development across various sports, modernizing facilities, expanding programs, and enhancing the overall competitive stature of the Mountaineers' athletic department. He played an instrumental role in shaping the future trajectory and continued success of WVU athletics for decades to come.

Influencing the Game Beyond the Sidelines: Member of the NCAA Basketball Committee

Beyond his direct involvement with specific teams and athletic departments, Fred Schaus also made substantial contributions to the broader landscape and governance of college basketball by serving as a respected member of the NCAA Basketball Committee. This prestigious committee holds vital responsibilities, including setting rules, establishing policies, and overseeing the selection process for the highly anticipated NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. His participation reflected his deep understanding of the sport, his extensive experience, and his unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity and promoting the healthy evolution of collegiate basketball nationwide.

The Enduring Legacy of Fred Schaus

Fred Schaus's life and career represent a profound dedication to the sport of basketball. From his early days as a talented player to his strategic genius as a coach and general manager, and his visionary leadership as an athletic director, his journey was consistently marked by success, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His multifaceted influence continues to resonate throughout the institutions he served and the countless athletes, colleagues, and fans whose lives he touched, cementing his place as a true legend of American basketball.

Frequently Asked Questions About Frederick "Fred" Schaus

What teams did Fred Schaus play for professionally in the NBA?

Fred Schaus played professionally in the NBA for the Fort Wayne Pistons and the New York Knicks.

What were Fred Schaus's key achievements as head coach at West Virginia University?

As head coach for WVU from 1956-1960, Fred Schaus led the Mountaineers to an impressive 100-28 record and guided them, with future Hall of Famer Jerry West, to the 1959 NCAA Championship game.

How many NBA Finals appearances did Fred Schaus's Los Angeles Lakers teams achieve as coach?

As head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers from 1960 to 1967, Fred Schaus led the team to six NBA Finals appearances, competing against the formidable Boston Celtics.

What significant move did Fred Schaus make as the Lakers' General Manager?

As General Manager for the Los Angeles Lakers, Fred Schaus was instrumental in the pivotal acquisition of legendary center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a move that fundamentally reshaped the franchise and led to future championships.

What was Fred Schaus's administrative role at West Virginia University after his coaching career?

After his coaching stints, Fred Schaus returned to West Virginia University to serve as the Athletic Director from 1978 to 1989, overseeing significant growth and development across all athletic programs.

What was Fred Schaus's involvement with the NCAA?

Fred Schaus contributed to the broader governance of college basketball as a member of the prestigious NCAA Basketball Committee, influencing rules and policies for the sport.