Lon Kruger was born on August 19, 1952, in Silver Lake, Kansas. Growing up, he had a passion for sports, particularly basketball and baseball. He attended Silver Lake High School, where he excelled in both sports and showcased his natural athletic abilities.
Kruger continued his athletic career at Kansas State University, where he played point guard for the basketball team. He led the Wildcats to back-to-back Big Eight championships in 1972 and 1973. Kruger's standout performances on the court earned him the Big Eight Player of the Year honor in both 1973 and 1974. In addition to basketball, he also played baseball for the school as a shortstop, further showcasing his versatility as an athlete.
After graduating from Kansas State, Kruger transitioned into coaching, starting his journey as a head coach at Texas-Pan American. He then went on to coach at Kansas State, Florida, Illinois, and UNLV before making his mark in the NBA as the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks.
Kruger's coaching career reached new heights when he joined the Oklahoma Sooners. In 2016, he led the team to their second Final Four appearance, showcasing his leadership skills and ability to guide his players to success on the court.
Throughout his coaching career, Kruger has achieved significant milestones. In November 2012, he earned his 500th victory as a head coach, a testament to his longevity and success in the field. In 2013, he made history by becoming the first head coach in Division I basketball to lead five different schools to the NCAA tournament. The following year, he became the first head coach to win an NCAA tournament game with five different schools, solidifying his reputation as a coaching legend.
Off the court, Kruger values family and has a wife named Barbara, with whom he shares two children, Kevin and Angie. Despite his demanding coaching career, he makes time to prioritize his family and support system, showing his dedication to both his work and his loved ones.
Lon Kruger's impact on the world of basketball is undeniable. From his days as a standout player to his successful coaching career, he has left an indelible mark on the sport. His ability to connect with players, motivate teams, and achieve remarkable success on the court has solidified his place in basketball history as a respected coach and leader.