Fred R. Taylor Enshrined 1986 Zanesville, OH Born: December 3, 1924 Biography Fred Taylor had a reputation for his coaching excellence and dedication to the community. Although he never played in high school, Taylor was a starting forward on Ohio State's Big 10 Championship team that finished third nationally in 1950. A talented recruiter, Taylor stressed the fundamentals, smart, team play, and made it clear that education came first. Taylor's Buckeyes were most dangerous in the NCAA tournament, compiling a 14-4 record in five NCAA tournament appearances and four Final Fours. Armed with six All-Americas and Hall of Famers Jerry Lucas, John Havlicek, and Bob Knight, Taylor was the first coach in NCAA history to take his team to three straight Final Fours. A kind man with a keen sense of community, Taylor often volunteered his time and experience to civic and charitable causes. Career Highlights NCAA Championship with Ohio State, 1960 NCAA Final Four, 1960,1961, 1962, 1968 Won or shared seven Big Ten titles, 1960-62, 1963-64, 1968, 1971 Coach of the Year by USBWA and UPI, 1961, 1962