Hall of Fame college basketball coach Gene Bess has died at the age of 91, his family announced on social media Friday.
Bess was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023 following a legendary JUCO coaching career that spanned 50 seasons.
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He joined the Three Rivers Raiders back in 1971 and coached the team until 2020, racking up the most coaching wins of all time at any college level. He finished his career with a staggering record of 1,300-416.
Under his guidance, Three Rivers captured JUCO National Championships in 1979 and 1992.
Across his career, Bess was elected to various Hall of Fames and ultimately etched his name into the most prestigious basketball Hall of Fame there is.
“Coach Bess will be remembered for his record number of wins, two national championships and hall of fame career. He was also a teacher and mentor, a husband and father, and a friend and neighbor who was a devout Christian that shared his faith and love,” Brian Rosener, president of the Poplar Bluff Sports Hall of Fame, said in a statement.
“His legacy will live through his family, friends, players, students and the Poplar Bluff community.”
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
