Abe Lemons
A basketball coach with a wit as sharp as his offensive schemes, winning nearly 600 games with a homespun, entertaining style.
1922–2002 (age 80)·American basketball player and coach·Birthday: November 21·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Abe Lemons coached basketball like a folksy philosopher holding court. With a drawl and a deadpan delivery, he disarmed opponents and delighted reporters, but behind the one-liners was a brilliant basketball mind. He built his reputation at Oklahoma City University, where his teams played a fast, free-wheeling style that racked up points and wins, including an NIT championship in 1965. His humor often masked a fierce competitiveness. A stint at the University of Texas saw him revive a dormant program, taking the Longhorns to the NCAA tournament's Elite Eight in 1978. Lemons never fit the mold of the corporate coach; he was old-school, loyal to his players, and more concerned with outscoring you than out-defending you. In an era of increasing seriousness, he remained a refreshing character who proved you could win big without losing your sense of humor or humanity.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Abe was born in 1922, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Abe Was Born
The biggest hits of 1922
#1 Movie
Robin Hood
Abe's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1922Born
King Tut's tomb discovered in Egypt
President: Warren G. Harding"April Showers" — Al Jolson
1927Started school
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1935Became a teenager
Social Security Act signed into law
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,450President: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Cheek to Cheek" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Mutiny on the Bounty
1938Could drive
Kristallnacht and the escalation toward WWII
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $2,850Min wage: $0.25/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Begin the Beguine" — Artie ShawBest Picture: You Can't Take It with You
1940Could vote
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
1943Turned 21
Allies invade Sicily; Battle of Stalingrad ends
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,290Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I've Heard That Song Before" — Harry JamesBest Picture: Casablanca
1952Turned 30
Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,350Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Blue Tango" — Leroy AndersonBest Picture: The Greatest Show on Earth
1962Turned 40
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1972Turned 50
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1982Turned 60
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1992Turned 70
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2002Turned 80
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
Key Achievements
- Won the 1965 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship while head coach at Oklahoma City University.
- Compiled 594 career victories as a Division I head coach across Oklahoma City, Pan American, and the University of Texas.
- Led the University of Texas to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight in 1978, revitalizing the program.
- Inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
Did You Know?
He was known for his prolific and witty quotes, such as 'The only difference between a good coach and a bad coach is the players.'
He served as a pilot in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II.
His son, Lance Lemons, also became a college basketball coach.
He briefly worked as a television color commentator after his coaching career.
“"I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I have just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well."”
