OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Creighton University says former Head Basketball Coach Tony Barone has died.
According to Creighton's website, 72-year-old Barone served as head coach from 1985-91 and had a 102-82 record in that time frame.
They say he acquired a number of accolades during his run as head coach:
"His teams won Missouri Valley Conference regular-season and Missouri Valley Conference Tournament titles in both 1988-89 and 1990-91, and he was named MVC Coach of the Year in 1988-89.
Barone led the Bluejays to two NCAA Tournaments, and his 1990-91 team won the program’s first NCAA Tournament game since 1973-74. He also led the 1989-90 team to the NIT as part of a then unprecedented three straight 20-win seasons in his final three years.
He has more than 34 years of playing and coaching experience including assistant coach positions at Duke (‘72-74) and Bradley (‘78-85) and head coaching positions at Texas A&M (‘91-98) as well as the NBA’s Mephis Grizzlies (‘06-07).
Barone was an Academic All-American and received a bachelor’s degree in English from Duke in 1971. Creighton University is proud to induct Tony Barone into the Athletic Hall of Fame."
They have released this statement:
“Tony Barone made a tremendous impact on Creighton Athletics and the young men within our men’s basketball program. We are saddened by his death and are thinking of Kathy, Tony Jr., Amy and Brian and the rest of the Barone family during this time.” - Creighton Athletics
It is with great sadness that we have learned that Creighton Athletics Hall of Famer Tony Barone has passed away peacefully at the age of 72. He will be dearly missed by his Creighton family. pic.twitter.com/4WMs2iIkTV
— Creighton Bluejays (@gocreighton) June 26, 2019
Barone also held positions at Texas A&M and in the NBA with the Grizzlies.
