Date of Birth: November 21, 1922
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Date of Death: September 2, 2002
Biography
Abe Lemons was a renowned American college basketball coach, celebrated for his colorful personality, sharp wit, and successful coaching career. Born in Ryan, Oklahoma, Lemons made significant contributions to college basketball, particularly through his tenures at Oklahoma City University (OCU) and the University of Texas. Lemons played college basketball himself at OCU and quickly transitioned into coaching, where he left a profound legacy. Lemons first made a name for himself at Oklahoma City University, where he coached from 1955 to 1973 and again from 1984 to 1990. During his time there, he compiled an impressive winning record and led the team to multiple NAIA tournaments. His coaching prowess was further recognized at the University of Texas, where he served from 1976 to 1982, earning the Southwest Conference Coach of the Year in 1978. Known for his candid and humorous remarks, Lemons was as much a philosopher as he was a coach, frequently sharing insights that resonated both on and off the court. His career was not just about wins and losses but also about the relationships he built and the lives he impacted.
5 Interesting Facts about Abe Lemons
1. Abe Lemons led Oklahoma City University to the NIT Championship in 1978.
2. He was known for his humorous and often quotable remarks, earning him a reputation as one of the most colorful characters in college basketball.
3. Lemons was inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in 1993.
4. He was a two-time recipient of the National Coach of the Year honor.
5. Lemons’ teams were known for their high-scoring offenses and entertaining style of play.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Abe Lemons
1. “One day of practice is like one day of clean living. It doesn’t do you any good.”
2. “I don’t jog because I want to be sick when I die.”
3. “Finish last in your league and they call you ‘idiot.’ Finish last in medical school and they call you ‘doctor.’”
4. “I always thought I could coach. I just thought people were dumb if they didn’t hire me.”
5. “There are really only two plays: Romeo and Juliet, and put the darn ball in the basket.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Abe Lemons’ highest net worth is not widely documented, but his influence and legacy in college basketball are considered invaluable.
Children
Abe Lemons and his wife, Betty Jo Lemons, had two children: a son named Barry Lemons and a daughter named Vickie Lemons.
Relevant Links
2. [Abe Lemons Hall of Fame Profile](https://oklahomasportshalloffame.org/inductees/abe-lemons/
3. [Abe Lemons’ Coaching Record](https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/coaches/abe-lemons-1.html
4. [Abe Lemons on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abe_Lemons
5. [Abe Lemons Quotes](https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/162188.Abe_Lemons
