There may never be an assistant coach that was as influential in the success of a program at JU than basketball coach Tom Wasdin.
Known as one of the top recruiters in the country, Wasdin assembled the pieces that eventually came together in 1970 for JU’s memorable run to the national title game.
Following the departure of Joe Williams after the 1970 season, Wasdin became head coach and the transition was seamless. The Dolphins went on to win 72 games over the next three seasons – making two NCAA Tournament appearances along with a trip to the NIT Final Four in 1972.
He remains JU’s all-time leader in winning percentage and is among the top five all-time at JU in wins.
He established a legacy of success and tradition of greatness with the JU basketball program. It all started when he came on board with Williams in 1965 and started to come to fruition when he helped sign Rex Morgan from the Midwest.
From there, Wasdin reeled in a pair of seven-footers – Artis Gilmore and Pembrook Burrows to build the tallest front line in college basketball. The rest, as they say, is history.
“Tom was so vital to our success back in those days,” said JU’s legendary Coach Williams. “I remember watching the first day of practice in 1970 with Tom in the stands of Swisher. We were amazed at what we saw on the floor and began patting each other on the back for putting that team together.”
With his success on the court behind him, Wasdin launched an ultra-successful career in real estate and lives now on the Atlantic Coast in Florida.
He becomes just the third basketball coach in JU history enshrined into the Athletics Hall of Fame – joining Williams and Rollie Rourke.
Wasdin’s JU Career
1966-70 Assistant Coach
- As the lead recruiter, he hleped JU to three straight winning seasons that culminated in the Dolphins run to the national title game in 1970
1970-73 Head Coach
- In three seasons as head coach, Wasdin was 63-18 (.778 winning percentage), advancing to the postseason all three year
