Joe Mullaney (basketball)

Joe Mullaney (1925 – 2000) was an American college and professional basketball coach. He had a long and successful career spanning several decades, marked by a focus on fundamentals and a reputation as a players' coach.

Mullaney began his coaching career at Providence College, his alma mater, in 1955. He led the Friars for 14 seasons, achieving considerable success, including multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and NIT championships. He was known for developing star players such as Lenny Wilkens and Jimmy Walker.

In 1969, Mullaney moved to the professional ranks, coaching the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) for two seasons. He later coached the Kentucky Colonels of the American Basketball Association (ABA), winning an ABA championship in 1975. He also had stints coaching the Utah Stars (ABA), the Spirits of St. Louis (ABA), and the New York Nets (NBA).

Mullaney returned to college coaching in 1981, leading Brown University for several seasons. After his time at Brown, he served as an assistant coach for various NBA teams.

He was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame. His legacy rests on his ability to build successful teams and nurture individual talent at both the college and professional levels.