Fogler, Eddie

Fogler, a former player at the University of North Carolina, led Vanderbilt to the NIT (National Invitational Tournament) title in 1990, one of only four Jewish coaches to win the NIT (the others are Nat Holman, Harry Litwack, and Ben Braun).

Birth and Death Dates:
b. June 12, 1948

Career Highlights:
A graduate of Flushing High School in Queens, New York (class of 1966), Fogler played at the University of North Carolina for three seasons, and helped lead them to two NCAA Final Four appearances. In 1968, the No. 4 Tar Heels (25-3) lost to UCLA in the NCAA final, 78-55. In 1969, No. 4 UNC (25-3) fell to Purdue in the semis, 92-65, and in the third place game to Drake, 104-84. In his senior year, Eddie was made co-captain, and had his best season, averaging 7 points per game, and the Heels once again qualified for the NIT. Fogler played in 91 career games for the Tar Heels, averaging 4.6 points and 3.4 assists.

After graduating, Fogler joined the UNC staff as an assistant coach in 1971 (with future head coaches Bill Guthridge and Roy Williams). Eddie remained with the Tar Heels until 1986, when he left to become the head coach at Wichita State. He stayed with the Shockers for three seasons, compiling a record of 61-32. Fogler led WSU to the post-season all three years (two NCAA tournaments, one NIT meet), and was named Missouri Valley Coach of the Year in 1986.

In 1989, Fogler was named head coach at Vanderbilt University. During his first year, the Commodores won the NIT championship, and Eddie took them to the post-season all four years he was coach. In 1993, he led Vanderbilt to the SEC Championship and the NCAA Sweet Sixteen, and was named SEC and National Coach of the Year. Fogler compiled a record of 81-48 while at Vanderbilt.

In 1993, Fogler left Vanderbilt to take the head coaching job at the University of South Carolina and immediately turned the program around. Although the Gamecocks had a 9-19 record his first season, they registered their first-ever SEC tournament victory. Two years later, USC finished 19-12 and made it to the NIT quarterfinals. In 1996-97, Fogler took USC to the next level, with the Gamecocks going 24-8. They won the SEC, and were a No. 3 seed in the NCAA tournament. In 1997-98, they had a record of 23-8 and received another high seed in the NCAA tournament.

After finishing the 2000-01 season with a record of 15-14 (7-11 in conference), Fogler announced his resignation as South Carolina's head basketball coach. After winning 66 games between 1996-98 (and appearing in two NCAA tournaments), the Gamecocks had gone 38-52 the next three years. Although former North Carolina coach Dean Smith tried to convince Fogler to remain at USC, he decided the time was right to leave.

Origin:
Flushing, New York

Career Dates:
Fogler played guard at North Carolina from 1967-1970. His coaching career began in 1971 and ended after the 2000-01 season.

Physical description:
5'11", 160 pounds

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