Gene Bartow, American basketball player and coach (b. 1930)

Bobby Gene Bartow (August 18, 1930 – January 3, 2012) was a highly esteemed and impactful American men's college basketball coach whose illustrious career spanned over four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the sport from high school courts to the international Olympic stage. A native of Browning, Missouri, Bartow distinguished himself through his strategic acumen, unwavering discipline, and remarkable ability to elevate basketball programs wherever he coached.

Early Coaching Roots and Foundational Experience

Before achieving prominence in collegiate basketball, Bartow honed his coaching philosophy and leadership skills for six crucial years at the high school level in Missouri. He served as a coach at two different institutions: Shelbina High School and Centralia High School. This foundational period provided him with invaluable experience in player development and team building, laying the groundwork for his eventual ascent to the top ranks of college basketball.

A Storied Collegiate Career: 36 Years Across Six Universities

Bobby Bartow's collegiate coaching tenure extended for an impressive 36 years, during which he led six distinct university programs. His journey in college basketball showcased a consistent ability to build winning teams, culminating in over 600 career victories, a testament to his enduring success and influence.

Memphis State Tigers: Reaching the National Championship Stage

One of Bartow's most significant early collegiate achievements came during his time at Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis). In 1973, he masterfully guided the Memphis State Tigers to the NCAA National Championship game, facing off against Bill Walton's legendary UCLA Bruins. Although the Tigers ultimately fell short, reaching the national title game was a monumental accomplishment for the program and solidified Bartow's reputation as an elite coach capable of competing at the highest level of college basketball.

Succeeding a Legend at UCLA: Guiding the Bruins to the Final Four

Following his success at Memphis State, Bartow undertook one of the most challenging roles in college basketball: succeeding the iconic John Wooden as head coach of the UCLA Bruins. Despite the immense pressure and the nearly insurmountable task of following a coach who had just won 10 national championships in 12 years, Bartow demonstrated his resilience and coaching prowess. He successfully guided the Bruins to the 1976 NCAA Final Four, proving his ability to maintain a top-tier program and navigate the high expectations associated with one of college basketball's most storied franchises.

Building a Dynasty from Scratch at UAB

Arguably Bobby Bartow's most profound and enduring legacy was established at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). From 1978 to 1996, he served not only as the head basketball coach but also as the university's athletic director. Under his visionary leadership, Bartow founded the UAB Blazers men's basketball program from its inception, meticulously building it into a national powerhouse. During his transformative tenure at UAB, the Blazers achieved remarkable success, including:

• Nine NCAA Tournament appearances, a testament to the program's consistent excellence.
• An NIT Championship in 1980, marking a significant milestone for the burgeoning program.
• Multiple conference championships, asserting UAB's dominance within its league.
• Developing numerous student-athletes who went on to achieve professional careers and many who became successful coaches themselves.

Bartow's ability to create a nationally recognized program from a nascent stage is a rare feat in college sports, showcasing his extraordinary administrative and coaching talents.

His extensive collegiate career also included impactful tenures at Southwest Missouri State (now Missouri State University), Valparaiso University, and Saint Louis University, further underscoring the breadth of his influence and the consistent success he brought to every program he touched.

International Recognition: Coaching at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games

Beyond his significant contributions to American collegiate basketball, Bobby Bartow also distinguished himself on the international stage. In 1972, he was selected to coach the Puerto Rico national basketball team at the highly anticipated 1972 Munich Olympic Games. This appointment highlighted his global reputation and coaching acumen, allowing him to apply his strategies against some of the world's best national teams. Under Bartow's guidance, the Puerto Rican team showcased their talent, achieving a respectable 9th place finish out of 16 competing nations, further cementing his versatile coaching resume.

Legacy and Enduring Impact

Bobby Gene Bartow's impact on basketball extends far beyond his impressive win-loss record. He was renowned for his disciplined approach to the game, his innovative strategic acumen, and his unwavering commitment to developing not just skilled athletes, but also well-rounded individuals. His contributions have been widely recognized through his induction into multiple prestigious institutions, including the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, the UAB Sports Hall of Fame, and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Bartow's influence continues to resonate through the countless players he mentored and the programs he elevated, solidifying his place as a true legend in the history of American basketball.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bobby Gene Bartow

Who was Bobby Gene Bartow?

Bobby Gene Bartow was a highly successful and influential American men's college basketball coach. Born in Browning, Missouri, he coached for over 40 years, including 36 years at six universities and six years at two high schools, and even led an Olympic national team.

Which college basketball teams did Bobby Bartow coach?

Bobby Bartow coached men's college basketball at six different universities: Southwest Missouri State (now Missouri State), Valparaiso, Memphis State (now the University of Memphis), UCLA, UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham), and Saint Louis.

What were Bobby Bartow's major achievements in college basketball?

Bartow's major achievements include leading Memphis State to the 1973 NCAA National Championship game, guiding UCLA to the 1976 NCAA Final Four after taking over from John Wooden, and founding and building the UAB program into a national contender, which included nine NCAA Tournament appearances and an NIT Championship in 1980. He amassed over 600 career wins and is a member of multiple Halls of Fame.

Did Bobby Bartow coach in the Olympics?

Yes, Bobby Bartow coached the Puerto Rico national basketball team at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games, showcasing his coaching prowess on the international stage.