Fred R. Taylor

Enshrined 1986
Born: December 3, 1924
Zanesville, OH

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.