Dick Versace, a former Pacers coach and Grizzlies executive, dead at 81
Former Indiana Pacers coach and Memphis Grizzlies executive Dick Versace died Friday. He was 81. Versace's cause of death was not released.
Versace made his coaching mark at Bradley University in Illinois. He led the Braves from 1978 to 1986. In that time, the team won three Missouri Valley Conference Championships. Versace also led the team to an NIT victory.
Our thoughts are with the family of former Bradley head coach Dick Versace as the two-time MVC Coach of the Year who led BU from 1978 to 1986 passed away at the age of 81 on Fridayhttps://t.co/wvqsaFxFYK pic.twitter.com/B4MTjFhiPy
— Bradley Basketball (@bradleyumbb) February 26, 2022
Versace left Bradley following the 1986 season to join the Detroit Pistons. He spent three years as an assistant with the Pistons before getting a head-coaching job with the Pacers. His most successful stint with the team came during the 1989-90 season. The Pacers went 42-40 and made the playoffs. The team lasted three games in the postseason before getting eliminated.
The Pacers paid tribute to Versace on Twitter on Saturday.
The Indiana Pacers are saddened to learn of the passing of former head coach Dick Versace. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/7PeVCdKnUy
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) February 26, 2022
Versace emerged as an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks for two seasons before joining the Grizzlies as an executive in 2002. Versace eventually became the Grizzlies' general manager, serving in the role during the 2004-05 season.
