Alfred J. "Al" McGuire

Enshrined 1992
Born: September 7, 1928
New York, NY
Died: January 26, 2001

Whether he was coaching at Belmont Abbey College or later at Marquette University or doing color commentary for NBC or CBS, Al McGuire had a flair for the dramatic. "Winning is only important in war and surgery," he said in 1975. Known for dazzling the media with his quick quips, McGuire is one of a select few coaches to win both the NIT and NCAA tournament. At Marquette, McGuire compiled a 295-80 record (404-144 overall) and had eleven postseason appearances in thirteen seasons. In his last game as Marquette coach, McGuire won the NCAA Championship over North Carolina, and few will forget his tearful goodbye to collegiate coaching. College basketball has seen few coaches more charismatic and engaging than Al McGuire.