Fred R. Taylor

Fred Taylor had a reputation for his coaching excellence and dedication to the community. Although he never played in high school, Taylor was a starting forward on Ohio State's Big Ten championship team that finished third nationally in 1950. A talented recruiter, Taylor stressed the fundamentals, smart team play, and made it clear that education came first. Taylor spent only 18 seasons as a head coach at Ohio State but by his fourth season he was already a veteran of NCAA Final Fours. Taylor's Buckeyes were most dangerous in the NCAA Tournament, compiling a 14-4 record in five NCAA Tournament appearances and four Final Fours. Armed with six All-Americas and Hall of Famers Jerry Lucas, John Havlicek, and Bob Knight, Taylor was the first coach in NCAA history to take his team to three straight Final Fours. A kind man with a keen sense of community, Taylor often volunteered his time and experience to civic and charitable causes.