Denzel Edwin Crum was an American men's college basketball coach best known for coaching some of the most successful college basketball teams in the United States and guided the Cardinals to two NCAA championships in 1980 and 1986 and six Final Fours. Crum began his coaching career as an assistant coach at UCLA in 1961, working under legendary coach John Wooden. He later became the head coach of the men's basketball team at the University of Louisville, where he spent 30 years and became the win... moreDenzel Edwin Crum was an American men's college basketball coach best known for coaching some of the most successful college basketball teams in the United States and guided the Cardinals to two NCAA championships in 1980 and 1986 and six Final Fours. Crum began his coaching career as an assistant coach at UCLA in 1961, working under legendary coach John Wooden. He later became the head coach of the men's basketball team at the University of Louisville, where he spent 30 years and became the winningest coach in school history. During his tenure at Louisville, he coached several future NBA players, including Pervis Ellison, Darrell Griffith, and Wes Unseld. In addition to his success on the court, Crum was also a mentor and role model to his players. He emphasized the importance of education and character development, and many of his former players went on to successful careers both on and off the court. Crum retired from coaching in 2001, but he remained involved in the sport as a commentator and analyst for ESPN. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1994 and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
