George Raveling, Iowa Hawkeyes icon and Nike pioneer, died at 88. He built a notable 1980s Iowa class featuring B.J. Armstrong, Kevin Gamble, Ed Horton, Roy Marble and Greg Stokes; Armstrong later claimed three NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls. Raveling also helped shape pro hoops as a Nike executive and is tied to MJ’s Nike deal, a storyline echoed in the film Air. His life extended beyond the court, including guarding Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream manuscript after the speech.

His legacy blends coaching, branding and culture, illustrating how a college program can influence the NBA and the sport’s business. The Bulls connection and his broader impact on players tie Raveling’s name to Iowa’s basketball lineage and the modern game’s branding era.