Howard Hobson

Head men's basketball coach at the University of Oregon (1936–47); led the team to the first NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship in 1939[18]

What is Howard Hobson known for?

Howard Andrew "Hobby" Hobson, born on July 4, 1903 in Portland, Oregon, USA, was an accomplished basketball coach, achieving a staggering career college basketball record of 401 wins to 257 losses. He is an alumni of Franklin High School in Portland, Oregon.

Hobson undertook coaching roles in various colleges including Southern Oregon Normal School (now Southern Oregon University), University of Oregon, and Yale University. Remarkably, in 1939, he made history by leading the University of Oregon's basketball team to victory in the inaugural NCAA basketball tournament. He wasn't limited to only basketball and coached various other sports. He served as the head football coach in Southern Oregon from 1932 to 1934, with a solid record of 12 wins, 7 losses, and 1 draw. Moreover, he was the head baseball coach at the University of Oregon from 1936 to 1947, compiling a record of 167 wins, 75 losses, and 1 draw.

Hobson's sports career began in Franklin High School, playing basketball for four years and serving as the team captain for two years. He led the team to win the state championship in 1921. Later, he played for the University of Oregon's basketball team from 1924 to 1926. They won the conference title in his final year, but unfortunately lost in the playoffs, despite being undefeated in the conference with a 10-0 win record.

Beyond his impressive coaching and playing careers, Hobson had a significant academic portfolio. He graduated from the University of Oregon with a bachelor's degree and further pursued a master's degree in 1929 and a doctorate in 1945 from Columbia University. Hobson also authored numerous books on the subject of basketball.

His contribution to basketball was recognized when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach in 1965. An accolade that helps secure his status as one of the great contributors to the sport.

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