Dick Harp, 1956-64

After gaining a wealth of knowledge as Phog Allen's understudy, Harp became the Jayhawks' head coach himself from 1956-1964. Harp compiled a 121-82 record in those eight seasons and led the Jayhawks to two conference titles and two NCAA tournament berths. In 1957, the Jayhawks captured the Midwest Regional and made it to the finals, only to be stopped by North Carolina in a memorable 54-53 loss in triple overtime in Kansas City, Mo.

Under his guidance, Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Bridges achieved All-American status. Harp had served as Phog Allen's assistant for eight seasons before taking over for Allen in 1956. Prior to that Harp was head coach for two seasons at William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo. Harp played basketball at KU, lettering from 1938-40 and was one of the starting guards on the 1940 team that lost to Indiana in the NCAA finals. Harp served as the director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for 13 years after leaving the Jayhawks. Harp is one of only five people to have played and coached in an NCAA title game. He served as an assistant coach at North Carolina for Dean Smith from 1986-1989.

Harp lives in Lawrence and still attends many KU practice sessions.