Hall of Fame
Oklahoma City University head coach Abe Lemons excelled as a player and coach in basketball for more than 40 years. In 34 seasons of coaching, he put together a record of 599-343, ranking among the winningest men's collegiate basketball coaches.
Lemons spent 25 years as head coach at OCU. His first 18 years at OCU from 1955-1973, during which he led OCU to a 309-181 record, two NIT berths and seven NCAA tournament appearances in 1956, 1957, 1963-1966 and 1973. OCU also won the All-College Tournament in 1965.
From 1973-1976, Lemons was head coach at Texas-Pan American, where he was named 1974-1975 Texas coach of the year. He took the head coaching position at the University of Texas in 1976. He served as president of the National Association of Basketball Coaches in 1977 and was named National Coach of the Year in 1978. Lemons' last season at Texas was 1982.
In his second round at OCU, he took the Chiefs to the NAIA Championship tournament once and to the District IX playoffs four times. Lemons was Sooner Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 1985-1986. OCU had an undefeated season record and a trip to the NAIA tournament in 1986-1987. That year, they were ranked No. 1 throughout the season. The season ended with a 34-1 record, Lemons' was named District 9 Coach of the Year and Sooner Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. In 1987, he was named Basketball Times Coach of the Year.
During his 25 years with OCU, Lemons posted a record of 427-264. He brought positive national attention to the state of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City and OCU. He established himself as a "teacher of men," not only in sports, but in the values of life, as proven by the success and leadership accomplishments of his students and players.
