I want to tell you the story of a kid, born in 1937 into segregated Washington, D.C. He’s 9 when his father dies and 13 when his mother has a mental breakdown, disappears, and is institutionalized.
He’s effectively orphaned. This is how George Raveling’s story begins.
Despite being dealt one of the worst hands imaginable, George, now 87, went on to become the most revered basketball coach in the world.
He played against Jerry West, the man on the NBA logo. He became only the second black basketball player for Villanova University. And he was the first black coach at several American universities.
He’d go on to coach and mentor players like Michael Jordan. And chances are, you probably would’ve never worn—or even heard of—Air Jordan sneakers if it wasn’t for George.
Yet, in all his decades of coaching, the words Head Coach never appeared on his door. Instead, it always read: “George Raveling, Educator.”
George has had a bit of a Forrest Gump life, somehow showing up at the most important events in twentieth-century American history. He stood next to Martin Luther King Jr. at the March on Washington. He met presidents Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Harry S. Truman. And he traveled the world promoting basketball as an international sport.
This is a man who made his own breaks, continues to break glass ceilings, and embodies the American dream.
Today on Honestly, Bari Weiss sits down with George to discuss his extraordinary life and his new book, What You’re Made For: Powerful Life Lessons from My Career in Sports, which he wrote alongside Ryan Holiday.
You can listen to this episode below, and subscribe to Honestly wherever you get your podcasts:
This is one of the best interviews you have done in a long time.
Maybe it was the person you found as I have never heard of him.
His life lessons and inspiration is a must for everyone everywhere.
I listened to it twice and have sent it to my daughter and grand daughter twice both of whom know nothing about basketball.
But this story transcends basketball and is so very much more.
You should redo this interview and label it an inspiration for all the young people meandering their lives not knowing how lucky they are and everyone can make something of themselves.
Bari, I’ve listened to Honestly since I first heard you on Megyn Kelly. Your questions and your thoughtfulness are the very best!!! I can tell you’re not only prepared and well researched, you’re actually LISTENING to your subjects.
As I’ve approached—and passed—middle age, I’ve come to realize that time is everyone’s most precious gift, and therefore, I’ve grown particular about how I spend it and with whom I spend it. Basically, one has to make me laugh, make me think or make me want to be a better person. On rare occasions, you meet people who tick all three boxes. George Raveling, a man I had never even heard of before your interview (I’m not a big pro sports fan—honestly!), falls into that rare “all three” category. Your interview with him left me amazed (his sharpness, his wit, his insights!) and inspired. To reach the age of 87 with that kind of energy and desire to still “cheerlead” the next generations is a terrific example for anyone approaching their later years. Thank you so much for another thought provoking, insightful interview that will stay with me for a very long time.
I’ve shared the episode with so many people I love and respect. I just pray they will hit play and give it a listen. Thanks so much for another fantastic show!!