Induction Details
The National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame announced that former Kansas head coach Ted Owens will be inducted in 2026, joining Jay Wright and Tubby Smith in a class that celebrates enduring contributions to the sport.
The three inductees were chosen by the Blue Ribbon Selection Committee, an advisory body administered by the National Association of Basketball Coaches, ensuring that only those whose impact resonates across generations receive the honor.
Kansas Roots and Achievements
Owens spent 19 seasons at the University of Kansas from 1963 to 1984, compiling a 348‑182 record that places him fourth in all‑time wins among KU men’s basketball coaches.
During his tenure he captured six Big Eight Conference titles, earned Big Eight Coach of the Year five times, and guided the Jayhawks to seven NCAA Tournament appearances, including Final Four runs in 1971 and 1974.
His teams produced Hall of Fame‑caliber talent such as Jo Jo White, Darnell Valentine, Dave Robisch, Bud Stallworth, Walt Wesley, Danny Manning and Clyde Lovellette, many of whom later became NBA standouts.
Reactions and Legacy
Current Kansas coach Bill Self took to X to congratulate Owens, calling the induction “well deserved” and highlighting the lasting influence of his mentor on the program.
The induction marks the sixth of eight Kansas head coaches to be enshrined in the Hall, underscoring the university’s storied coaching lineage that also includes Phog Allen, Dean Smith, Roy Williams and other legends.