Nike Honors George Raveling With “George Raveling Week”

Nike Basketball is honoring one of the game’s most influential figures with the launch of George Raveling Week, a multi-day celebration dedicated to the life, leadership, and lasting impact of Hall of Fame coach George Raveling. The initiative is designed to connect past, present, and future generations of the sport, spotlighting Raveling’s influence both on and off the court.

A member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, George Raveling made history as the first African-American head coach in the Pac-8, now known as the Pac-12. His career has spanned decades of coaching, mentorship, and advocacy, shaping countless players, coaches, and leaders across the basketball landscape.

The week’s opening events begin Wednesday, January 21, at Villanova University — a fitting location given Raveling’s deep ties to the school as both a former player and coach. In partnership with Mike Tollin, director and producer of the Unraveling George documentary, the film will be screened at the Connelly Center ahead of its broader release. Nike also brought together Tollin, former Villanova head coach Jay Wright, and longtime Raveling friend and Nike executive Larry Miller for a panel discussion examining the community, relationships, and values that helped define Raveling’s legacy.

That evening, Villanova’s men’s basketball team will host Georgetown at Finneran Pavilion, with special Coach Rav elements incorporated throughout the game to further honor his contributions.

Connecting Raveling’s influence to today’s game, Nike has created a custom “Coach Rav” Book 2 PE, worn by Devin Booker and later shared with select teams connected to Raveling’s journey. Participating teams will also wear shooting shirts featuring one of Raveling’s most enduring quotes: “Aim to leave behind more than you have taken from the world.” Coaches involved in the week’s programming will complete the look with custom Air Force 1s.

Additional games and celebrations will continue throughout the week, including matchups on January 28 and January 31 across multiple programs where Coach Raveling’s impact is deeply felt.

Enjoy a closer look at the Nike Book 2 PE below, credits to Villanova Men's Basketball. For more on the Book 2 a "Spiridon" inspired pair is coming soon.