Jim Larranaga Bio, Parents, Family And Career
Jim Larranaga, head coach of the men's basketball team at the University of Miami, is well-known in the college basketball community. Larranaga, whose remarkable career has spanned many decades, has had a profound effect on the sport and won the respect and affection of players, spectators, and other coaches.
Author:David MitchellReviewer:Daniel ClarkAug 08, 202360.6K Shares808.8K Views
Jim Larranaga, head coach of the men's basketball team at the University of Miami, is well-known in the college basketball community. Larranaga, whose remarkable career has spanned many decades, has had a profound effect on the sportand won the respect and affection of players, spectators, and other coaches. He is well-known for his leadership abilities and strategic intelligence, and he has successfully led the Miami Hurricanes to a number of victories and honors.
Liz Larranaga has kept a modest profile, choosing to avoid the spotlight while her husband Jim Larranaga is well known for his contributions to the game. Liz has clearly played a helpful role in Jim's career, offering constant assistance behind the scenes, despite her absence from the limelight. On and off the basketball court, Jim and Liz Larranaga make a strong combination.
Quick Facts About Jim Larranaga
| Name | Jim Larranaga |
| Date of Birth | October 2, 1949 |
| Age | 72 Years |
| Place of Birth | The Bronx |
| Country | United States |
| Profession | Basketball Coach |
| Horoscope | Libra |
Jim Larranaga Early Life And Education
Larraaga, one of six kids, spent his formative years in the New York City neighborhood of Parkchester in the Bronx. The grandfather of Larraaga was a member of the Por Larraaga cigar firm and was born to Basque parents in Cuba. He is the father of Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Jay Larranaga. Larraaga graduated in 1967 from Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens, where he began playing varsity basketball under coach Jack Curran.
He continued playing basketball in college at Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island, where he served as the Friars' senior team captain and guided them to a 20-8 record and a trip to the NIT. With 1,258 career points, he finished as the fifth-highest scorer in school history. He led the team in scoring as a sophomore and junior and was voted the Division I Sophomore of the Year in New England in 1969.
The Providence College Hall of Fame accepted Larraaga that year. He earned an economics degree from Providence in 1971, and the Detroit Pistons picked him in the sixth round of the NBA Draft that year. When he learned he had little chance of making the club, he departed the Pistons' rookie camp and accepted a coaching post at Davidson College.
Coaching Career Of Jim Larranaga
Larraaga was Terry Holland's assistant at Davidson and the coach of the freshmen squad. Davidson won three regular-season Southern Conference championships, had one NIT appearance, and compiled a 47-12 record during his five years working for Holland. He relocated to Belgium in 1976 to work as a player-coach for a professional team, but he only spent one season there.
When he came back to the country in 1977, American International College, a Division II team with losing records the previous five years, was hiring for its first head coaching position. His teams at AIC had a 28-25 record during his two years there, including a victory against Northeastern University, whose squad was then led by Jim Calhoun.
He met up with his old Davidson mentor Holland again in 1979; at this time, Holland had moved on to become the University of Virginia's head coach. Larraaga joined a team that was starting to establish itself as a force in the ACC as an assistant, coming at the same time as highly anticipated rookie Ralph Sampson. Larraaga missed an NIT championship in 1980 and NCAA Final Four appearances in 1981 and 1984 during his seven seasons at Virginia.
Bowling Green State University
Jim Larrañaga began his coaching career at Bowling Green State University in 1986. In his first season with the Falcons, the team showed significant improvement, finishing with a 15-14 record, eight games better than the previous season. Over the course of his 11-year tenure, Larrañaga amassed a 170-144 record, making him the second-winningest coach in school history.
He led the Falcons to back-to-back postseason appearances in the NIT in 1990 and 1991, becoming only the second coach in Bowling Green history to achieve this feat. Under Larrañaga's guidance, the Falcons defeated prominent basketball programs like Kentucky, Michigan State (twice), Ohio State, Penn State, and Purdue. One notable player who played for Larrañaga during his time at Bowling Green was guard Antonio Daniels, who was selected fourth overall in the 1997 NBA Draft.
George Mason University
In 1997, Jim Larrañaga took over as the head coach of George Mason University's basketball program. In his first season, the team struggled, finishing with a 9-18 record. However, signs of improvement were evident, and the following season, the Patriots went 19-11, winning the school's first-ever Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) regular-season title and the conference tournament, earning a spot in the NCAA tournament.
Larrañaga guided George Mason to two more NCAA tournament appearances in 2001 and NIT appearances in 2002 and 2004. The 2004 team was particularly notable as it achieved a 20-win season, the first in 14 years for George Mason, and won consecutive postseason games for the first time in school history.
The most memorable season during Larrañaga's tenure at George Mason was the 2005-06 campaign. The Patriots entered the season as strong contenders for the CAA title, finishing the regular season with a 22-6 record. Although they narrowly missed being ranked in the Top 25, they made a significant impact during the season, including victories over notable teams like Wake Forest and Mississippi State.
Despite a disappointing performancein the CAA tournament, they received an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament, becoming the first CAA team in 20 years to achieve this feat. They embarked on an incredible postseason run, defeating Michigan State, North Carolina, Wichita State, and Connecticut to reach the Final Four. Ultimately, their run ended with a loss to Florida in the national semifinals, but their journey captured the hearts of basketball fans across the nation.
University Of Miami
After his successful tenure at George Mason, Jim Larrañaga accepted the head coaching position at the University of Miami in 2011. In his first season with the Hurricanes, Larrañaga led the team to a winning record in the ACC, marking the university's first-ever winning record in the conference. The following season, the Hurricanes had one of their best seasons in recent history, winning the ACC regular-season title. They achieved a milestone victory by defeating top-ranked Duke by a significant margin of 90-63.
In 2013, Larrañaga guided Miami to its first ACC tournament title, and he was recognized as the Associated Press college basketball coach of the year. The team also reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament, setting a school record with 29 wins. Although their season ended with a loss to Marquette, Larrañaga praised the team's effort but attributed their defeat to player injuries and illness.
Most recently, in the 2022-23 season, Larrañaga led the Miami Hurricanes to their first-ever Final Four appearance in program history, further solidifying his legacy as a successful coach. Throughout his coaching career, Jim Larrañaga has demonstrated his ability to turn programs around, achieve success in postseason play, and make historic runs in the NCAA tournament. His coaching tenure at Bowling Green, George Mason, and the University of Miami highlights his adaptability and skill in building competitive teams.
The Net Worth Of Jim Larranaga
Jim Larraaga's projected net worth of $12.5 million is a reflection of his fruitful and long career in collegiate basketball. His years of coaching expertise at prestigious universities like George Mason University and the University of Miami have contributed to his fortune.
Larraaga has continually improved his teams' records, deepened their tournament runs, and won multiple awards during his tenure, raising the stature of the programs. He has thus acquired hefty contracts and bonuses. Coach Larraaga's financial success is a testament to the enormous value he has added to the world of collegiate basketball with his strong eye for talent, strategic acumen, and relentless commitment to his teams. Jim Larranaga's parents are Eileen and John.
Jim Larranaga Wife
Jim Larraaga's wife, Liz, has been his spouse since 1971. Jim Larraaga is the team's head coach. The head coach of the Miami Dolphins has been wed to his wife for almost 50 years. Jim and Liz met in their Bronx neighborhood in the early 1960s, according to player spouses. Larranaga's wife used to attend social dances at the Bronx Irish Center during that time.
He asked her to dance, and she was astounded by his prowess. Before Jim asked her out, they bumped into one another a few more times. Before Jim began his first year at Providence College, they were dating. Since Liz couldn't afford college, she started working for the NYC Department of Relocation.
Two years later, at a separate dance, Jim and Liz reunited and made the decision to continue their long-distance romance. The pair wed in 1971 after a few years of dating. In order for Jim to start his coaching career as an assistant coach at Davidson College, they relocated to North Carolina after their wedding.
Does Jim Larranaga Have Kids?
Liz and Jim are fortunate to be the proud parents of two kids. Jon Larranaga and Jay Larranaga are the names of their kids.
Jim Larranaga's "UCLA Drill" for Shooting & Defense at Basketball Practice!
Some Interesting Facts About Jim Larranaga
- Jim Larranaga was born on October 2, 1949, in The Bronx, United States.
- He is currently 72 years old.
- Larranaga attended Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens, where he played varsity basketball under coach Jack Curran.
- He continued his basketball career at Providence College, where he became the team captain and led them to a 20-8 record and a trip to the NIT.
- Larranaga finished his college career as the fifth-highest scorer in Providence College history, with 1,258 career points.
- After graduating, he was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in the sixth round of the NBA Draft but decided to pursue a coaching career instead.
- Larranaga started his coaching career as Terry Holland's assistant at Davidson College, where he also coached the freshmen squad.
- He later became the head coach at American International College, where he had a two-year record of 28-25.
- In 1979, Larranaga joined the University of Virginia as an assistant coach, working alongside Ralph Sampson and helping the team achieve success.
- Larranaga spent seven seasons at Virginia and was part of a team that reached the NCAA Final Four in 1981 and 1984.
- His coaching career at the University of Miami began in 2011 when he became the head coach of the men's basketball team.
- Larranaga has led the Miami Hurricanes to numerous victories and honors, including an ACC Championship and multiple NCAA Tournament appearances.
- His strategic intelligence and leadership abilities have earned him respect and admiration within the college basketball community.
- Jim Larranaga's estimated net worth is $12.5 million, reflecting his successful and lengthy career in collegiate basketball.
- Larranaga's wife, Liz, has been his spouse since 1971, and they have two children together, Jon and Jay Larranaga.
People Also Ask
When Was Jim Larranaga Born?
Jim Larranaga was born on October 2, 1949.
Where Did Jim Larranaga Attend High School?
Jim Larranaga attended Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens.
Which College Did Jim Larranaga Play Basketball For?
Jim Larranaga played basketball for Providence College.
What Was Jim Larranaga's Role At The University Of Virginia?
Jim Larranaga served as an assistant coach at the University of Virginia.
When Did Jim Larranaga Become The Head Coach Of The University Of Miami Men's Basketball Team?
Jim Larranaga became the head coach of the University of Miami men's basketball team in 2011.
How Many Children Does Jim Larranaga Have?
Jim Larranaga has two children named Jon and Jay Larranaga.
Conclusion
A well-known and successful person in the world of collegiate basketball is Jim Larranaga. His extraordinary career, which has spanned many decades, has shown his leadership skills, strategic acumen, and commitment to the sport. Larranaga has had an enduring impact on the sport, beginning with his time as a player at Providence College and continuing in his present position as the men's basketball head coach at the University of Miami.
Liz Larranaga, who has been instrumental behind the scenes, has helped Larranaga along the way. Without a doubt, their solid relationship and dedication to one another have contributed to Larranaga's success.
Larranaga's accomplishments, which include multiple wins, accolades, and a sizable net worth, say much about his influence on college basketball. He has improved the programs he has been a part of, encouraged athletes, and gained the respect of his colleagues. As Jim Larranaga leaves a lasting impression on the sport he loves, his legacy will continue to shine brilliantly.
David Mitchell
Author
David Mitchell is a versatile writer at Tennessee Independent, specializing in news, sports, and player profiles. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, David brings a unique perspective to his articles, covering a wide range of topics that resonate with readers. His expertise in these areas ensures that readers receive insightful and engaging content, making him a valuable asset to the Tennessee Independent team.
Daniel Clark
Reviewer
Daniel Clark is an experienced author at Tennessee Independent, renowned for delivering insightful articles with a professional approach. With a focus on factual accuracy and authoritative insights, Daniel covers a wide range of topics, providing valuable information and engaging narratives. His expertise in areas such as performance, player profiles, and current events ensures that readers receive trustworthy and informative content. Daniel's commitment to delivering well-researched articles makes him a reliable source for expert perspectives on Tennessee Independent.
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