College Basketball Head Coach. From 1961 until 1973, he served as the head coach of the Villanova University Wildcats, and is best remembered for guiding the 1970-1971 squad to the NCAA Title Game against John Wooden's powerhouse UCLA Bruins. Their accomplishment was later expunged following a violation committed by star player Howard Porter. Kraft began his lengthy association with the sport as a player with the St. Joseph's University Hawks and during this time, he attained his degree in Education. After serving as a pilot with the United States Navy during World War II, he coached basketball at the high school level with several Philadelphia-area schools. In 1961, he succeeded longtime Wildcats' coach Al Severance and guided Villanova to a 21 win 7 loss record and a NCAA Tournament berth his first season at that capacity. The first of six tournament appearances during his tenure. After Villanova achieved runner-up status in 1971 after being defeated by UCLA, it was revealed that Wildcats' star player Howard Porter was in contact with an agent for an ABA franchise which violates NCAA rules. He totaled 238 wins with Villanova and from 1973 until 1981, he served as head coach at Rhode Island. He guided the Rams to a playoff berth in 1978.
College Basketball Head Coach. From 1961 until 1973, he served as the head coach of the Villanova University Wildcats, and is best remembered for guiding the 1970-1971 squad to the NCAA Title Game against John Wooden's powerhouse UCLA Bruins. Their accomplishment was later expunged following a violation committed by star player Howard Porter. Kraft began his lengthy association with the sport as a player with the St. Joseph's University Hawks and during this time, he attained his degree in Education. After serving as a pilot with the United States Navy during World War II, he coached basketball at the high school level with several Philadelphia-area schools. In 1961, he succeeded longtime Wildcats' coach Al Severance and guided Villanova to a 21 win 7 loss record and a NCAA Tournament berth his first season at that capacity. The first of six tournament appearances during his tenure. After Villanova achieved runner-up status in 1971 after being defeated by UCLA, it was revealed that Wildcats' star player Howard Porter was in contact with an agent for an ABA franchise which violates NCAA rules. He totaled 238 wins with Villanova and from 1973 until 1981, he served as head coach at Rhode Island. He guided the Rams to a playoff berth in 1978.
Bio by: C.S.
Inscription
LTJG US NAVY
WORLD WAR II
Family Members
Spouse
Advertisement
See more Kraft memorials in:
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
