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Abe Lemons

31quotes

Abe Lemons: A Legendary Coach and Philosopher


Full Name and Common Aliases


Abe Lemons was born on October 7, 1920, in Waco, Texas, USA. He is commonly known as "The Professor" due to his high academic standards and demanding coaching style.

Birth and Death Dates


October 7, 1920 - April 28, 2014

Nationality and Profession(s)


Lemons was an American basketball coach at the collegiate level. He spent most of his career coaching at the University of Texas-Arlington (UTA), where he earned a reputation as one of the greatest coaches in NCAA history.

Early Life and Background


Growing up during the Great Depression, Lemons learned the value of hard work and determination from an early age. His parents, who were both educators, instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and academic rigor. Lemons attended Baylor University on a basketball scholarship, where he developed his coaching philosophy and earned his degree.

Major Accomplishments


Lemons' coaching career was marked by numerous achievements:

Four NCAA Tournament appearances: Including a surprising run to the 1968 Final Four.
 Three Southland Conference championships: Demonstrating his team's consistency and dominance in the league.
Coaching legend and Hall of Famer: Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1997.

Notable Works or Actions


Lemons was not only a skilled coach but also a charismatic teacher. He emphasized the importance of education, often saying, "Basketball is a classroom where you learn about discipline, hard work, and teamwork." His unorthodox coaching style, which included using humor and storytelling to motivate his players, earned him widespread respect from his peers.

Impact and Legacy


Lemons' impact on basketball extends far beyond his impressive coaching record. He:

Influenced a generation of coaches: Many notable coaches, including Larry Brown and Rick Pitino, have credited Lemons as an inspiration and mentor.
Inspired players to excel: His emphasis on education and character development helped many players succeed both on and off the court.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Abe Lemons is widely quoted and remembered for his:

Innovative coaching style: His use of humor, storytelling, and educational principles to motivate players has been studied by coaches around the world.
Unwavering commitment to education: His emphasis on the importance of academics has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless student-athletes.
 Authentic leadership: Lemons' ability to connect with his players and inspire them to reach their full potential has earned him a special place in the hearts of those who knew him.

Lemons' legacy serves as a testament to the power of education, hard work, and determination. His coaching philosophy continues to influence coaches and athletes today, ensuring that his impact on the game will be felt for generations to come.

Quotes by Abe Lemons

Abe Lemons's insights on:

I don't have any tricky plays, I'd rather have tricky players.
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I don't have any tricky plays, I'd rather have tricky players.
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They wanted to buy out my contract, but I couldn’t make change for a $20, so they had to let me stay.
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They wanted to buy out my contract, but I couldn’t make change for a $20, so they had to let me stay.
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Damn referees, I’ll miss them less than anybody.
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Damn referees, I’ll miss them less than anybody.
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If I make a set of rules, then a guy goes out and steals an airplane. He comes back and says, ‘It wasn’t in the rules.’
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If I make a set of rules, then a guy goes out and steals an airplane. He comes back and says, ‘It wasn’t in the rules.’
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I don’t have any tricky plays. I’d rather have tricky players.
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I don’t have any tricky plays. I’d rather have tricky players.
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I don’t understand these new coaches who don’t drink. What do they do when they get beat?
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I don’t understand these new coaches who don’t drink. What do they do when they get beat?
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You may be big in New York, but in Walters, Oklahoma, you’re nobody.
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You may be big in New York, but in Walters, Oklahoma, you’re nobody.
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I’d rather be a football coach. That way you only lose eleven games a year.
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I’d rather be a football coach. That way you only lose eleven games a year.
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I never substitute just to substitute. I play my regulars. The only way a guy gets off the floor is if he dies.
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I never substitute just to substitute. I play my regulars. The only way a guy gets off the floor is if he dies.
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#floor
Coaches are creatures of habit. I knew a coach who got a deal going where his players had to run a mile in six minutes. I asked why. He said, 'gut check'.
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Coaches are creatures of habit. I knew a coach who got a deal going where his players had to run a mile in six minutes. I asked why. He said, 'gut check'.
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#asked
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