East Texas A&M University Athletics

Basketball Coach • 1969-83

In his final season as Lion men's basketball coach in 1983, Jim Gudger became the first coach in program history to reach the 200-win mark. He finished his 14-year Lion coaching career with a record of 202-190, then a program record for wins.

Known for his red socks and showmanship, Gudger led the Lion Cagers to three Lone Star Conference championships and was a three-time LSC Coach of the Year. He took ETSU to the quarterfinals of the NAIA National Tournament in the 1976-77 season and led them to the semifinals of the NAIA Tournament in 1977-78. He coached All-Americans Lee Johnson, Calvin Walker, Hugo Cabrera, Nate Granger, O'Neal Tarrant and Larry McGhee, the latter four of which joined him in the Lion Hall of Fame. In all, Gudger coached two LSC Players of the Year, two LSC Freshman of the Year and had 11 players named to the All-Conference teams, including seven different First Teamers.

Prior to his time as Lion coach, Gudger coached for 21 years at Western Carolina University, his alma mater. In 1963, he led WCU to the NAIA National Championship game. Gudger was also a coach of national recognition, having coached Team USA during the Pan-American games and was also a member of the US Olympic Basketball Committee. Overall, Gudger had a coaching record of 537-394. He was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1978.