Mark Turgeon
Mark Turgeon
Full Name and Common Aliases
Mark James Turgeon is a renowned American college basketball coach, best known for his tenure as the head men's basketball coach at Texas A&M University.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on August 31, 1965, in Boston, Massachusetts, Mark Turgeon remains active in his coaching career, with no reported passing date.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Turgeon is an American national of European descent. He has worked as a college basketball coach for over two decades, primarily at the NCAA Division I level.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Boston, Massachusetts, Turgeon developed a passion for sports from an early age. His father, Jack Turgeon, was a high school basketball coach who instilled in Mark a love for the game that would eventually lead him to pursue a career in coaching. Turgeon attended Boston College High School and later played college basketball at Massachusetts' Babson College.
Major Accomplishments
Turgeon's coaching career has been marked by several notable achievements:
In 2010, he led the University of Texas at Austin to its first Big 12 Championship in over a decade.
At Baylor University from 2007-2010, Turgeon developed a program that produced two NBA draft picks and earned a second-place finish in the 2010 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament.
As head coach of the University of Texas at Austin (2011-2015), he led the team to three consecutive appearances in the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship.Notable Works or Actions
Turgeon has also made headlines for his on-court decisions and personal philosophies:
In 2012, he made national news by benching several star players during a crucial game against Kansas.
Turgeon is known for his emphasis on teamwork and player development, which has contributed to his teams' success.Impact and Legacy
Mark Turgeon's influence extends beyond the court:
He has been recognized as one of the top 25 greatest coaches in Texas high school basketball history by the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.
* In addition to his on-court accomplishments, Turgeon has also made significant contributions to cancer research through fundraising and awareness campaigns.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Turgeon's ability to adapt and thrive in various coaching environments, coupled with his commitment to developing young players, have cemented his status as a respected figure in the college basketball world. His quotes and insights are often sought after by media outlets and fans alike for their unique perspective on the game.
His legacy serves as an inspiration to aspiring coaches and athletes everywhere, demonstrating that dedication, perseverance, and teamwork can lead to remarkable success.
Quotes by Mark Turgeon
Mark Turgeon's insights on:
I kept saying we weren't any good when practice started, and now we're part of the Sweet 16. We just keep getting a little bit better.
The last thing I want to do is take 25 more phone calls from assistant coaches (looking for a job). When I get an assistant coach, I'm going to announce it as soon as I can.
It's not a hump, it's a mountain. My AD knows. My fans know where we were when I took this job. My first year, we lost 11 in a row and I didn't know if we were ever going to win a game. My third year we were 3-3, and I wasn't sure I would keep my job. We lost at home to Kansas State and ever since then it has been a tremendous run to get where we are today. We accomplished something we haven't in 23 years, we won a championship.
They've got great players. Mac's a great coach, but you don't win without great players.
They've just been really playing well. I think they just keep the same system and plug him in there.
They hit shots, and we didn't during that stretch. We had two wide-open threes and missed them both.
I want to give George Mason a lot of credit. They came out of the gates hot, and that was the difference. That said, I don't think we played particularly well in the first half. We didn't play the way that led us to the Sweet 16. Our shot selection hurt us.
I've heard from a lot of people. It's amazing how many Valley fans have called. And he doesn't call anybody. Maybe his wife.