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Jerry Pimm

Jerry Pimm, Hall of Fame Coach
Jerry Pimm, Hall of Fame Coach
In 1956, at Montebello High School, Jerry Pimm led the nation in scoring by averaging 30 points per game. Pimm become an All-American for both Montebello High School and Fullerton Junior College. He earned his Bachelors and Masters Degrees, both in Physical Education, from USC. Upon graduation, Pimm became an assistant coach at USC during the 1960-61 season, after which he left for a career at the University of Utah. During his 22 years at Utah, Pimm coached in 7 NCAA Tournaments, the 1966 Final Four, and one Sweet Sixteen. Pimm also coached and trained the US Olympic teams from 1975-1986, during which time the USA won a gold medal at the 1986 World Championships.

Jerry left Utah for UCSB in 1983 and turned a program around within 4 years. In 1987-88, he guided the Gauchos to its best record ever, 22-8, and to its first NCAA Division I Tournament berth. In 1989-90, Pimm led UCSB to another NCAA tourney berth and a first round win over Houston. Additionally, Santa Barbara was invited to three National Invitation Tournaments during his tenure.

Jerry Pimm guided the UCSB men’s basketball program for 15 seasons. His 222 wins are the most ever recorded by a Gaucho Head Basketball Coach. His coaching career at UCSB ended in 1998 after accumulating seven “Coach of the Year” awards and a career coaching record of 398-284. Pimm was inducted into USCB’s Hall of Fame, April 30th, 2005.

Many of Jerry’s players and assistant coaches have continued professional basketball careers in the NBA and overseas, including basketball greats like Brian Shaw, Carrick DeHart, Del Harris and Ben Howland. Jim Eyen, Assistant Coach for the LA Clippers and a former Assistant Coach for Jerry at UCSB, says “When Coach Pimm arrived at UCSB he brought with him a wealth of basketball experience and a respected winning tradition. He orchestrated a resurgence of Gaucho basketball that I am proud to have been a part of, and still draw upon those experiences to this day.”