Dick Shrider, American basketball player and coach (b. 1923)

Richard Guy Shrider (February 7, 1923 – January 21, 2014) was a notable American figure in basketball, distinguished both as a professional player for a brief period and, more significantly, as a highly influential college coach and athletic director for an extended career at his alma mater. His contributions spanned decades, impacting collegiate sports development.

Early Life and Collegiate Achievements

Born on February 7, 1923, Richard Guy Shrider embarked on his basketball journey that would eventually lead him to prominence. His foundational collegiate career took place at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where he played for the Ohio Bobcats men's basketball team. During his tenure with the Bobcats, Shrider honed his skills, becoming a standout player who garnered attention from professional scouts.

Brief Foray into Professional Basketball

Following his successful collegiate career, Shrider entered the professional basketball landscape at a pivotal time in the sport's history. In 1948, he was selected in the 1948 BAA Draft by the historic New York Knicks. The Basketball Association of America (BAA) was a precursor to the modern National Basketball Association (NBA), formed in 1946, and it eventually merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1949 to create the NBA we know today. Shrider, picked as the 80th overall selection in the 8th round of that draft, briefly played four games for the Knicks during the 1948 season. After his short stint with the Knicks, he transitioned to play for the Detroit Vagabond Kings. It is important to note that the Detroit Vagabond Kings were not a traditional NBL franchise but rather an independent barnstorming team. These exhibition teams often played against established NBL and other professional teams, showcasing basketball talent across various locales outside the strict league structure of the era.

A Distinguished Career as a College Coach and Athletic Director

While his professional playing career was relatively brief, Richard Shrider's true legacy was forged in the collegiate coaching and administrative ranks. He returned to Ohio University, the institution where he had excelled as a player, to embark on a highly impactful coaching career. Shrider served as the head coach for the Ohio Bobcats men's basketball team for an impressive 17 seasons, from 1950 to 1967. Under his leadership, the Bobcats achieved significant success, including:

• Guiding the team to multiple Mid-American Conference (MAC) championships.
• Leading the Bobcats to NCAA Tournament appearances, elevating the program's national profile.

After his successful coaching tenure, Shrider transitioned into an equally vital administrative role, becoming the Athletic Director for Ohio University. He held this position from 1967 until his retirement in 1989. As Athletic Director, he oversaw the expansion and modernization of the university's athletic programs, contributing significantly to the infrastructure and continued success of Bobcats athletics. His long and dedicated service to Ohio University firmly established him as a revered figure within the institution's history and college sports.

Legacy and Impact

Richard Guy Shrider passed away on January 21, 2014, leaving behind a profound legacy that extended far beyond his playing days. He is remembered not just as a professional basketball player but predominantly as a transformative college coach and influential athletic director whose contributions shaped Ohio University's athletic landscape for over four decades. His career exemplifies dedication to student-athletes and the development of collegiate sports.

Frequently Asked Questions About Richard Guy Shrider

• Who was Richard Guy Shrider?
  Richard Guy Shrider was an American professional basketball player and, more prominently, a highly successful college basketball coach and athletic director for Ohio University.
• Where did Richard Shrider play college basketball?
  He played his collegiate basketball at Ohio University, where he later returned to coach and serve as Athletic Director.
• Which professional team drafted Richard Shrider?
  Richard Shrider was drafted by the New York Knicks in the 1948 BAA Draft, the league that preceded the NBA.
• What was Richard Shrider's coaching career like?
  Shrider had a distinguished 17-year career as the head men's basketball coach at Ohio University (1950-1967), leading them to multiple championships and NCAA Tournament berths. He then served as the university's Athletic Director from 1967 to 1989.
• What were the Detroit Vagabond Kings?
  The Detroit Vagabond Kings were an independent barnstorming basketball team that Richard Shrider played for after his brief time with the New York Knicks. They were not a traditional National Basketball League (NBL) franchise but rather an exhibition team that played against various professional squads of the era.