Dave Gavitt

Dave Gavitt is one of the architects of the modern game of college basketball. From coach of Providence College to founder of the Big East Conference to chairperson of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee to president of USA Basketball, Gavitt has left a formidable imprint on the game he loves. As coach of the Friars from 1969 to 1979, Gavitt led Providence College to 209 wins, including eight consecutive 20-win seasons, five NCAA Tournament appearances, the 1973 Final Four, and three NIT appearances. Gavitt galvanized efforts to create the Big East Conference in 1979 and served as the powerhouse conference’s first commissioner until 1990. His work with the Division I Men’s Basketball Committee resulted in the expansion of the NCAA Tournament to 64 teams and the use of domed stadiums for the Final Four. His lengthy résumé and contributions to New England basketball includes serving as Senior Executive Vice-President of the Boston Celtics from 1990 to 1994 and Chairman of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame from 1995 to 2003.