Tates Locke


Taylor "Tates" Locke is an American former basketball coach.
Locke coached the Buffalo Braves of the National Basketball Association for half a season, in 1976–77, before being replaced by Bob MacKinnon. Prior to his Buffalo experience, Locke coached for West Point, where he hired a young assistant coach named Bobby Knight. Knight would later replace Locke when Locke left West Point. After West Point, Locke moved on to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, winning a MAC title in 1968-69. Locke would subsequently coach at Clemson University, but would be forced to resign as the result of an NCAA investigation into recruiting violations. The violation resulted in the Tigers being put on NCAA probation. He later coached at Jacksonville University and took them to an NCAA berth and NIT berth.
Locke would become the head coach at Indiana State University and served as a scout and assistant general manager for the Portland Trail Blazers.
The movie Blue Chips, starring Nick Nolte, is said to be based on Locke's career. However, several midwestern college coaches claim to be the inspiration for the character.

Head coaching record

College