McGuire, Al (1928-2001), became one of the most popular figures in college basketball. McGuire first gained national recognition as the coach of Marquette University from 1964 to 1977. He was named coach of the year for the 1970-1971 season. McGuire coached Marquette to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championship in 1977. After winning the NCAA title, McGuire retired as a coach and became a commentator on network telecasts of college games, gaining a wide audience for his outspoken and distinctive analysis.
Alfred James McGuire was born on Sept. 7, 1928, in New York City. He graduated from St. John’s University in 1951. He played professional basketball for the New York Knicks from 1951 to 1954 and for the Baltimore Bullets in 1954. McGuire served as an assistant coach of Dartmouth College in 1955 and 1956 and Belmont Abbey College from 1957 to 1964. He then became head basketball coach at Marquette. He was also the school’s athlete director from 1973 to 1977. He was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992. McGuire died on Jan. 26, 2001.
Dick McGuire, Al’s older brother, was a star guard and later a coach for the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons. Dick was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.
