Rick Majerus

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Full Name and Common Aliases

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Rick Majerus was born Richard Alfred Majerus on September 24, 1948. He is often referred to as simply "Coach Majerus" by those who knew him.

Birth and Death Dates

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Majerus passed away on December 1, 2012, at the age of 64, after a long battle with heart disease.

Nationality and Profession(s)

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American

College basketball coach

Early Life and Background

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Rick Majerus was born in West Point, New York. His father, Richard Sr., served as a professor at the United States Military Academy (USMA), where Majerus spent much of his childhood. This exposure to military discipline and academic rigor would later shape his coaching style.

Growing up, Majerus developed a passion for sports, particularly basketball. He was an exceptional player in high school and went on to play college ball at St. Mary's College and Marquette University.

Major Accomplishments

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- Coaching Experience: Majerus coached several prominent teams, including the University of Utah (1989-1996), Illinois (1987-1989), and Saint Louis University (1997-2007). He led the Utah Utes to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 12 years in 1992.
- Career Wins: Majerus accumulated over 700 wins throughout his coaching career, with more than 100 of those coming at Saint Louis University.
- Conference Championships: Under Majerus' leadership, teams claimed multiple conference championships, including the WAC and C-USA.

Notable Works or Actions

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Majerus was known for his unorthodox coaching style. Some notable aspects include:

Innovative Offense: Majerus introduced a high-scoring offense that emphasized ball movement and player freedom.
Team Building: He prioritized building strong team bonds, often taking teams on bonding trips to help foster camaraderie.

Impact and Legacy

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Rick Majerus left an indelible mark on the world of college basketball. His innovative approach to coaching inspired a new generation of coaches and players alike. Beyond his on-court achievements, he was also revered for his:

Personal Touch: Majerus took a genuine interest in his players' lives outside of basketball.
Giving Back: He established several charitable initiatives, including the Rick Majerus Scholarship.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

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Rick Majerus is widely quoted and remembered for his:

Innovative Approach: Coaches and players alike have credited him with pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the court.
Personal Qualities: His genuine care for his teams' well-being, both on and off the court, has left a lasting impact.

Majerus' legacy continues to inspire coaches, players, and fans worldwide. His commitment to innovative coaching and team building has cemented his place as one of the most respected figures in college basketball history.