Former coach Tex Winter, who pioneered the triangle offense that propelled the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers to multiple NBA championships, has died at the age of 96.
BREAKING: Tex Winter, former Bulls assistant, architect of triangle offense, dies at 96. https://t.co/cAJ6NpkR96 pic.twitter.com/aDUqeu4B0a
— Chicago Sun-Times (@Suntimes) October 11, 2018
Michael Jordan on Tex Winter: "Tex was always focused on details and preparation and a great teacher. I was lucky to play for him. My condolences to his family."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) October 11, 2018
Winter began his coaching career as an assistant under Jack Gardner at Kansas State in 1947, before a two-year stint at Marquette, where he became the youngest head coach in major college basketball at the age of 30.
He later returned to Kansas State, where he served as head coach for 15 years and led the Wildcats to two Final Four appearances in six NCAA tournament trips.
It is with great sadness to learn of the passing of legendary #KStateMBB head coach Fred "Tex" Winter. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Winter family. pic.twitter.com/DA0QUYkjRK
— K-State Athletics (@kstatesports) October 11, 2018
Winter, who published “The Triple-Post Offense” in 1962, made the leap to the NBA in 1971, serving as head coach of the Houston Rockets for two seasons.
He was hired as an assistant coach with Chicago in 1985 by general manager Jerry Krause, teaming with head coach Phil Jackson to guide the Jordan-led Bulls to NBA titles in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997 and 1998.
For all the haters of the Triangle Offense, it’s an offense that allowed Kobe and Michael to thrive, and win multiple championships. Hard to argue with that.
