Former Radford University head basketball coach Joe Davis is set to be honored this coming week with the naming of the basketball office section of the Dedmon Center in his name.
Radford Athletics is set to honor one of the most instrumental coaches in its history as the Radford basketball office suite will be named in honor of former men’s basketball coach Joe Davis and his wife, Anne, in recognition of their contributions to the basketball program. The dedication will be held Thursday, April 27 on the Dedmon Center court at 12 p.m.
Davis successfully guided the Highlander men’s basketball program from an unaffiliated small college entry all the way to the NCAA Division I ranks. He posted nine winning seasons in 10 years as Radford’s head coach from 1978-88, including a 23-4 record in 1978-79 and a 16-12 mark in 1984-85, Radford’s first Division I season.
“I am so thrilled that Radford is honoring Coach Joe Davis. As a former player of his and assistant coach, I have a very unique perspective and understanding of his tremendous work ethic and dedication,” said Radford Athletics Hall of Famer and Board of Visitors member Steve Robinson (78-80). “The naming of the basketball offices is a tremendous honor for him and well deserved. Coach Davis means so much to all of us at Radford and this is an outstanding way for the university to say thank you to one of its hardest workers and most dedicated coaches.”
Robinson is also the associate head coach for the national champion, University of North Carolina. In addition, he played for Davis who left Radford in 1988 as the all-time winningest coach, posting 165 victories and a .589 winning percentage. Radford joined the Big South during Davis’ time at the helm, starting league play during the 1985-86 season as the Highlanders posted a 18-15 conference record during his time. Davis coached four All-Big South performers and one CoSIDA Academic All-American. He earned his master’s degree in physical education from Radford in 1970.
“Coach Davis has influenced me and so many players throughout the years with his passion, leadership and commitment to developing young men to be their absolute best in everything they do,” said Radford Athletics Hall of Famer and Athletics Foundation Board member David Smith (81-85). “He made sure in how we played that we respected our university and represented our families to the fullest. I am so glad that he is receiving this much-deserved recognition. No one deserves it more.”
The event kicks off the inaugural Highlander Pride Weekend, which runs April 27-29.
— Courtesy of RU Athletics
