Jimmy Needles

James R. Needles (March 3, 1900 – July 22, 1969) was an American basketball coach best known for being the United States' first Olympic basketball coach in 1936. Born in Tacoma, Washington in 1900, Needles studied at the University of San Francisco, then known as St. Ignatius College. Needles played basketball for the then-Grey Fog, becoming a player-coach during his senior year in 1924. He was appointed the basketball team's full-time coach upon his graduation. Needles coached Saint Ignatius College to two championships, capturing the Far Western Conference championship in 1928 and the Pacific Association title in 1929.

Jimmy Needles

James R. Needles (March 3, 1900 – July 22, 1969) was an American basketball coach best known for being the United States' first Olympic basketball coach in 1936. Born in Tacoma, Washington in 1900, Needles studied at the University of San Francisco, then known as St. Ignatius College. Needles played basketball for the then-Grey Fog, becoming a player-coach during his senior year in 1924. He was appointed the basketball team's full-time coach upon his graduation. Needles coached Saint Ignatius College to two championships, capturing the Far Western Conference championship in 1928 and the Pacific Association title in 1929.