Abe Lemons

Abe Lemons – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Abe Lemons (1922–2002) was an American college basketball coach known for wit, success, and shaping programs at OCU, Texas–Pan American, and the University of Texas. Read his biography, coaching legacy, and standout quotes.

Introduction

A. E. “Abe” Lemons (November 21, 1922 – September 2, 2002) was an American college basketball coach and former player, celebrated both for his basketball acumen and his sharp wit. Over a 34-season head coaching career, he compiled a record of 594–343 (or in some sources, 599–343) across stints at Oklahoma City University (OCU), Pan American, and the University of Texas.

Lemons is often remembered as one of the most quotable coaches in college sports, combining competitive drive with humor, personality, and a coaching philosophy rooted in empowering players and making the game entertaining.

Early Life and Family

Abe Lemons was born in Ryan, Oklahoma, given only the initials “A. E.” as his given name. He grew up in Walters, Oklahoma, where he graduated from Walters High School in the spring of 1941.

Coming from modest means, Lemons later adopted the name “Abe.” During World War II, he served in the Merchant Marine, a service he later referenced to provide perspective on sporting pressures.

He married Betty Jo Bills, and they had two daughters, Dana and Jan.

Playing & Early Education

After his war service, Lemons enrolled in college and pursued basketball. He first attended Southwestern Oklahoma Teachers College on a basketball scholarship.

Later, he transferred and played at Oklahoma City University (OCU) under coach Doyle Parrack, earning recognition for his skill as a center/forward. During the 1947–48 season, OCU posted an 18–13 record, and in 1948–49 improved to 20–6.

Coaching Career and Achievements

Oklahoma City University (First Stint)

In 1955, Lemons became head coach at Oklahoma City University, his alma mater. Over his first tenure (1955–1973), he led the program to a 309–181 record. Under his leadership, OCU made the NIT twice and the NCAA Tournament seven times (1956, 1957, 1963–66, 1973). In 1965, OCU won the All-College Tournament.

Lemons coached several standout players during this period and built OCU into a respected mid-major program.

Pan American University (1973–1976)

From 1973 to 1976, Lemons served as head coach at Pan American University (Edinburg, Texas). During this tenure, he earned recognition as Texas Coach of the Year (1974–75) and coached Marshall Rogers, who led the nation in scoring.

University of Texas (1976–1982)

In March 1976, Lemons was named head coach at the University of Texas, succeeding Leon Black. His contract was reportedly worth about $30,000 per year.

He quickly made an impact. In 1978, he led Texas to win the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship, defeating NC State 101–93 in Madison Square Garden. That same year he was named National Coach of the Year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Texas also captured Southwest Conference (SWC) regular season titles in 1978 and 1979. During his Texas tenure, he accumulated a 110–63 record.

However, the later years proved more challenging: injuries, roster turnover, disagreements with administration, and criticisms about discipline and academics emerged. In March 1982, the university fired Lemons. In the wake of his departure, he quipped that he’d like a glass-bottom car so he could see the face of those running him over, noting “I hope they notice the mistletoe tied to my coattails.”

Return to Oklahoma City University (1983–1990)

After leaving Texas, Lemons returned to OCU in 1983 and coached through 1990. In his second stint, he led the program to NAIA postseason appearances and District playoffs. Notably, in 1986–87 season, his team went 34–1, ranked No. 1, and Lemons earned Sooner Athletic Conference Coach of the Year and other honors.

Across his 25 years at OCU, he posted a 427–264 record in that span (some sources combine both tenures to 599–343 overall).

In 2000, Abe Lemons Arena opened on OCU’s campus in his honor.

Coaching Style, Personality & Philosophy

• Offense, spacing, and tempo
  Lemons favored a brand of basketball that emphasized movement, spacing, quick decisions, and exploiting mismatches.

• Humor and media presence
  He was famous for sharp one-liners and engaging with the press. Many regarded him as one of the most quoted coaches. His personality often made headlines—and drew fans.

• Player relationships & mentoring
  Despite his humor, Lemons took his role as a teacher seriously. Many former players credit him with helping them grow as men, not just athletes.

• Flexible but principled
  He was not rigid in scheme but had strong convictions about recruiting, self-motivation, and accountability.

Legacy and Influence

• Winning record and impact
  Across all head coaching stops, Lemons achieved a high win total (594–343 or 599–343, depending on sources) over 34 seasons.

• Cultural figure in college basketball
  His wit, bold personality, and candid approach made him a memorable figure in the sport.

• Honors and remembrance
  Lemons has been inducted into several halls of fame, including the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. The arena at OCU named for him is a lasting tribute.

• Quotable legacy
  Many of his remarks—often humorous but pointed—remain quoted in sports journalism and coaching circles.

Famous Quotes

Here are some of Abe Lemons’ memorable lines:

“Doctors bury their mistakes; ours are still on scholarship.”

“All they need are a few clowns to make a circus.” (After an opponent made 99 substitutions.)

“I was in the war with the Japanese and the Germans. After that, a few clowns aren’t going to bother me.”

“We don’t pray after a game … That’s too late.”

“It is more fun to shoot the ball than to play defense. And we’re going to work hardest on what’s fun.”

“Finish last in your league and they call you an idiot. Finish last in medical school and they call you doctor.”

His humor often masked deeper points about pressure, expectations, accountability, and perspective.

Lessons from Abe Lemons

1. Don’t lose personality in professionalism. Long after his wins, Lemons is remembered as much for his character as his record.

2. Wit can amplify respect. His humor engaged fans, media, and players—but he backed it with competence.

3. Coaching is mentorship, not micromanagement. His reputation as a “teacher of men” shows that influence goes beyond Xs and Os.

4. Adaptability is key. He succeeded in different contexts—mid-major, major conference, rebuilding programs.

5. Legacy includes what you leave behind. Arenas get named, quotes get repeated—but those only matter when people remember how you coached, taught, and led.

Conclusion

Abe Lemons (November 21, 1922 – September 2, 2002) stands as a distinctive figure in college basketball history. With a sharp mind, quick wit, and consistent success, he shaped multiple basketball programs and left behind a legacy as much in quips as in wins. His story reminds us that coaching is about people, vision, and personality as much as strategy and schemes.