Basketball Legend Dave Gavitt Dies

Basketball Legend Dave Gavitt Dies

David "Dave" Gavitt who lead Providence College to the final four, helped to create the Big East Conference, developed the Olympic Men's Basketball "Dream Team" died after a long illness. The basketball hall of famer was an icon in Rhode Island sports.

He was born on October 26, 1937 in Westerly. He coached Dartmouth College for two years and then joined PC for the 1969-70 season. But, it was his famous run in 1973 that lead PC basketball to the NCAA Final Four with Marvin Barnes and Ernie D., that made him one of college basketball star coaches and Rhode Island's most famous.

"Mr Gavitt was a giant in the sports world...and for Providence fans - big east fans owe him a debt of real gratitude. We wouldn't have college athletics the way we have them today, without Dave's vision and leadership," said John Rooke, voice of PC Basketball and GoLocalProv.com sports editor.  

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Gavitt transformed college sports in 1979 and the creation of the Big East Conference - a structure that launched a collection of northeast basketball programs into a super conference and the darling of ESPN.

Later in his career, he served as the served as the Vice President of the Boston Celtics and he oversaw the redevelopment and expansion of the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA.

PHOTOS: images from PC Basketball 1977-1978 Yearbook