Fresno State Athletics
In memoriam, Boyd Grant: 1933-2020
8/17/2020 11:30:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Boyd Grant – the all-time winningest coach in Fresno State men’s basketball history – led the Bulldogs to a 194-74 record in nine seasons, which included winning the 1983 NIT national championship, three NCAA Tournament appearances, three conference championships and seven NBA Draft picks.
SALT LAKE CITY – Boyd Grant, who led the Fresno State men's basketball program to the 1983 NIT national championship and remains the Bulldogs' all-time winningest coach, passed away on Monday at the age of 87.
Grant went 194-74 during his nine memorable seasons at Fresno State and guided the Bulldogs to three regular season conference championships, three Pacific Coast Athletic Association (PCAA) tournament titles, the program's first three NCAA Tournament appearances and that special run to the 1983 NIT title.
Before leading Fresno State and the Red Wave to Madison Square Garden in 1983, Grant built Fresno State into a formidable force at Selland Arena en route to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 1981 and 1982. Grant and Fresno State also made the NCAA Tournament in 1984.
The Bulldogs finished the 1981-82 campaign ranked No. 11 in the nation by the Associated Press with a 27-3 record and a Sweet 16 appearance led by Rod Higgins, Donald Mason, Bernard Thompson, Bobby Davis and Tyrone Bradley.
During his time in the San Joaquin Valley, Grant was named the PCAA Coach of the Year in 1978, 1981 and 1982, and he coached seven of the Bulldogs' 22 all-time NBA Draft picks.
Grant, a native of American Falls, Idaho, played collegiately at Snow College and Colorado State.
Prior to being hired at Fresno State, he coached the College of Southern Idaho to the 1976 NJCAA national championship. Grant was inducted into the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993.
Quotes
Terry Tumey, Fresno State Director of Athletics
"Coach Grant will be remembered as one of, if not the, most successful men's basketball coaches in Fresno State's history. His record on the court, including three trips to the NCAA Tournament and winning the 1983 NIT championship, pale in comparison only to his profound impact on the young men he coached here at Fresno State for nine seasons. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Grant family."
Justin Hutson, Fresno State head men's basketball coach
"I grew up watching Coach Grant's teams and have always respected how hard and well his teams played. They lifted the Red Wave into a national prominence and let everyone know how loud and proud we are in the Valley. Our deepest condolences are with Coach Grant's family, assistant coaches and players."
Kevin Grant, Son of Boyd Grant
"My dad had such a deep connection with the people of Fresno because of what this community embodies - honesty, hard-work and the ability to succeed from an underdog role. His teams demonstrated the mindset of our community by focusing on defense.
"I think Dad was very approachable and friendly in town and he always found a way to build people up when he spoke with them. Because of this, many people feel a real, genuine bond with him.
"He loved representing Fresno State and he was honored to represent the Valley. I was always extremely proud to be his son. We loved him so much and we will miss him."
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley '' – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
Grant went 194-74 during his nine memorable seasons at Fresno State and guided the Bulldogs to three regular season conference championships, three Pacific Coast Athletic Association (PCAA) tournament titles, the program's first three NCAA Tournament appearances and that special run to the 1983 NIT title.
Before leading Fresno State and the Red Wave to Madison Square Garden in 1983, Grant built Fresno State into a formidable force at Selland Arena en route to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 1981 and 1982. Grant and Fresno State also made the NCAA Tournament in 1984.
The Bulldogs finished the 1981-82 campaign ranked No. 11 in the nation by the Associated Press with a 27-3 record and a Sweet 16 appearance led by Rod Higgins, Donald Mason, Bernard Thompson, Bobby Davis and Tyrone Bradley.
During his time in the San Joaquin Valley, Grant was named the PCAA Coach of the Year in 1978, 1981 and 1982, and he coached seven of the Bulldogs' 22 all-time NBA Draft picks.
Grant, a native of American Falls, Idaho, played collegiately at Snow College and Colorado State.
Prior to being hired at Fresno State, he coached the College of Southern Idaho to the 1976 NJCAA national championship. Grant was inducted into the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993.
Quotes
Terry Tumey, Fresno State Director of Athletics
"Coach Grant will be remembered as one of, if not the, most successful men's basketball coaches in Fresno State's history. His record on the court, including three trips to the NCAA Tournament and winning the 1983 NIT championship, pale in comparison only to his profound impact on the young men he coached here at Fresno State for nine seasons. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Grant family."
Justin Hutson, Fresno State head men's basketball coach
"I grew up watching Coach Grant's teams and have always respected how hard and well his teams played. They lifted the Red Wave into a national prominence and let everyone know how loud and proud we are in the Valley. Our deepest condolences are with Coach Grant's family, assistant coaches and players."
Kevin Grant, Son of Boyd Grant
"My dad had such a deep connection with the people of Fresno because of what this community embodies - honesty, hard-work and the ability to succeed from an underdog role. His teams demonstrated the mindset of our community by focusing on defense.
"I think Dad was very approachable and friendly in town and he always found a way to build people up when he spoke with them. Because of this, many people feel a real, genuine bond with him.
"He loved representing Fresno State and he was honored to represent the Valley. I was always extremely proud to be his son. We loved him so much and we will miss him."
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley '' – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
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