Abe Lemons Quotes

A collection of quotes by Abe Lemons.

Abe Lemons was an American college basketball coach who made a significant impact on the game. Born on November 21, 1922, in Walters, Oklahoma, Lemons grew up in a basketball-loving family, which fostered his passion for the sport. He attended Southwest College in Weatherford, Oklahoma, where he played basketball and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in education.

Lemons began his coaching career as a high school basketball coach before moving on to the collegiate level. His most notable coaching stints were at Oklahoma City University (OCU) and the University of Texas at Austin. At OCU, Lemons established a renowned basketball program, leading the Chiefs to seven National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) national tournaments, winning the championships in 1952 and 1988.

In 1976, Lemons accepted the head coaching position at the University of Texas. Renowned for his wit and sense of humor, Lemons brought an entertaining style of basketball to the Longhorns. Under his guidance, Texas experienced consistent success, making six NCAA Tournament appearances and reaching the Final Four in 1978.

Throughout his career, Lemons earned numerous accolades, including four-time NAIA Coach of the Year and a place in the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. Recognized for his unique coaching style and ability to connect with his players, Lemons left a lasting impact on both the sport of basketball and the lives of those he coached. He passed away on September 2, 2002, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and humor in the world of college basketball.