Branch McCracken

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Branch McCracken (June 9, 1908 – June 4, 1970) was a college men's basketball coach.

As a player at Indiana, the Monrovia, Indiana native was a three-year letter winner for Hall of Fame coach Everett Dean. At 6-4 and 200 lbs., McCracken played center, forward and guard, pacing the Hoosiers in scoring for three years.

As a head coach, McCracken guided Ball State University (1930-38) and Indiana University (1938-43, 1946-65) to a 93-41 and 364-174 record, respectively. He coached two NCAA Championship teams (1940 and 1953). He led Ball State to the school's only victory over the Hoosiers in school history in a year the Cardinals went 17-4. In 1948, McCracken was responsible for recruiting Bill Garrett who became the first African American player in Big Ten Conference varsity sport history.

From 1943 to 1946, McCracken served as a lieutenant in the United States Army, fighting in World War II.

McCracken was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 1960. He was also honored by Monrovia Jr.-Sr. High School when his name was given to the main gymnasium.

Preceded by Paul (Billy) Williams	Ball State Men's Head Basketball Coach 1930–1938	Succeeded by Ardith (Pete) Phillips
Preceded by Everett Dean	Indiana Men's Head Basketball Coach 1938–1943	Succeeded by Harry Good
Preceded by Harry Good	Indiana Men's Head Basketball Coach 1946–1965	Succeeded by Lou Watson

[edit] Reference

NCAA, NCAA March Madness: Cinderellas, Superstars, and Champions from the NCAA Men's Final Four : Chicago: Triumph Books, 2004. ISBN 1-57243-665-4

[edit] External links

• Branch McCracken Basketball Hall of Fame profile