Colleagues, coaches, former players offer condolences in the passing of coach Robert Hughes
Coaches, colleagues, former players and many others expressed condolences on Wednesday on the passing of Robert Hughes, who coached two Fort Worth inner city high schools to state championships in boys basketball, both in the segregated and integrated eras, and who won more games than any other basketball coach in the country, died on Tuesday in Fort Worth.
He was 96.
Robert Hughes Jr., son, who played at Texas and UTA and former Fort Worth Dunbar coach:
“He was not only a Hall of Fame coach but he was a Hall of Fame father
It’s comforting to know he is in a better place. He has struggled the last few years. But he fought to the very end.”
NBA veteran and Fort Worth Southwest legend Oliver Miller, who won a national title at Arkansas:
“He was one of them coaches that put fear in you. When they use to introduce and you go over and shake coach hands, he is one of them coaches who give you a quick hand shake and so go on and I gonna whip your butt.
Over the years me and (Dunbar hoops legend) Derek Daniels became really good friends. He was always telling me that man was crazy but he’s one of the guys that all the players respected. They need more Coach Hughes’ these days now. He is one of those coaches that when you come to the gym, you’re gonna sit down. Ain”t gonna be no walking around. Ho hanging with their home boys. You’re gonna go there, sit down, go to the locker room and come out and play. He was one of those coaches that Fort Worth basketball is missing.”
He meant a lot. Dundar was always recognized as one of the top teams. Whenever I tell people I’m from Fort Worth, the first thing they say is are you from Stop Six? Did you play for Dunbar? I said, no I played for Southwest. He had Fort Worth on the national map.
Dunbar legend Derrick Daniels, a four year starter at UH and now a high school coach at Houston King, posted this on Facebook:
“I know that we all have an appointed time but receiving this phone call this morning that you are no longer here with us is heartbreaking. I have followed you from the time that I was in the 3rd grade. I’m hurting !!! You are the reason why I chose the coaching profession. I will honor you for the rest of my life sir . I never had the chance to experience the likes of Martin Luther King, or Malcolm X but I did watch you growing up and always believed that you were my hero .
I learned so much more from you than just basketball / you had so many life lessons that were taught within the game . You were tough , it was hard but I wouldn’t change anything about my experience as a player or a young man during the times I spent with you . I LOVE YOU MAN !!!! AND I WILL CONTINUE TO LEAD LIKE YOU TAUGHT ME TO LEAD !!! NOW TAKE YOUR REST !!! I’ll see you in morning !!!”
Boston Celtics Co-Owner and business leader James Cash:
“Coach Hughes was the second most important man my life, following only my Father. Many of the positive things that I have experienced in life would never have happened if I had not met Coach Hughes.
The one I quote most often was his constant refrain “…everyone wants to win, but not everyone wants to prepare.” It served me well beyond the basketball court and is something I try to communicate to anyone I am coaching and mentoring.
He served as a Father-figure for many young men and women during the time I learned from him at I M Terrell and I’m sure that continued when he moved to Dunbar. He taught by his personal behavior and actions rather than words. To this day (I’m 76), many of the things I do and the way I analyze and think about things are heavily influenced by him.
I recently heard the CEO of a large company say the following, and I immediately thought – He sounded like coach Hughes!! “..We have high expectations, pay attention to details, constantly work to improve (outwork others), and the scoreboard will reflect our results.”
I will remember him as a Man that taught me how to be a Man by actions and deeds rather than words. Another description of Coach Hughes that I’d borrow from the description used by another family – ‘he taught the gospel everyday, and only used words when absolutely necessary!”
North Crowley head coach Tommy Brakel:
“The man was a legend. There is not a whole lot else to say. Everything from the short term successes that he had with his state championships, everything else and the longevity. As coaches, that is what we all strive to be. Being a young coach in Fort Worth, grow up -- he was the standard.”
“Fort Worth basketball, it ran through Robert Hughes and the flying Wildcats. For me, it is the utmost respect for someone you can have for somebody in your profession.”
“He meant a lot to me growing up as a young coach in this profession,” Brakel said. “He was the type of man that you sat back and you watched. And you let it mold you.”
Statement from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame:
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is saddened by the loss of legendary high school basketball coach Robert Hughes. Coach Hughes’ record of success at Fort Worth Dunbar is unparalleled, and he opened doors for Black athletes across Texas. His contributions to basketball will live on in the lives of the young men he coached and at the Naismith Hall of Fame.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker:
“Coach Hughes impact extended far beyond the court, shaping countless lives as a coach, mentor, father figure, and pillar of our community. As the winningest coach in high school basketball history, Coach Hughes not only leaves behind an incredible legacy in the sport of basketball and at Dunbar High School, but across the entire Fort Worth community.”
Fort Worth Mayor Pro Tem and Dunbar High School Alum Gyna Bivens:
“Coach Hughes turned boys into men by instilling in them the ability to set goals and reach them while learning from obstacles. The love he shared with high school basketball players was extended to their families making him a change agent. I am so very happy he got to see the start of the construction of Hughes House before he died. I will always visualize Coach taking his daily walk along the access road of 820, having breakfast at Dixie House and dinner at Nana’s Kitchen.”
Mary-Margaret Lemons, Fort Worth Housing Solutions President:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Coach Hughes, and thankful for the time we spent with this true Texas legend and his family. Coach Hughes served as an inspiration for so many in Stop Six, Fort Worth, across the state and throughout the country. He was a shining light, a pillar in the community and a study in excellence. The Hughes House development in Stop Six is a testament to teamwork – a true staple in the success of all those Dunbar teams led by Coach Hughes. Fort Worth Housing Solutions sends our deepest condolences to the family, friends and countless lives touched by Coach Hughes.”
Fort Worth School District Board President Camille Rodriguez:
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Coach Robert Hughes, a pillar of our community and a legend in high school basketball. His dedication to Fort Worth ISD and his athletes was unparalleled, leading to an extraordinary career marked by numerous championships and a lasting impact on countless lives.
Coach Hughes’ legacy extends far beyond his record-breaking achievements. He was a role model, instilling values of respect, discipline, and hard work in all the lives he touched. His impact extended beyond the teams he led; I was blessed to have Coach Hughes as my health teacher in high school, and he became a dear friend and mentor.
As a lasting tribute to his contributions, the basketball court at the Wilkerson-Greines Activity Center is named in his honor. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who were inspired by his remarkable life and career.”
Fort Worth School District Superintendent Angelica Ramsey:
“It is with deep sorrow that we acknowledge the passing of legendary high school basketball coach Robert Hughes, whose remarkable career and unwavering dedication to our students leaves an indelible mark on our community.
Coach Hughes’ career with Fort Worth ISD began in 1958 at I.M. Terrell High School, where he broke barriers and created opportunities for African American students. His commitment to his athletes extended beyond the court, as he spent countless hours ensuring they had the support and resources needed to succeed. Under his leadership, I.M. Terrell won three state championships, and his success continued at Dunbar High School with two additional state titles and 30 consecutive playoff appearances.
Coach Hughes’ unparalleled achievements, including a career record of 1,333-264, earned him a place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, National High School Hall of Fame, and Texas Sports Hall of Fame. His influence extended far beyond basketball, instilling values of respect, hard work, and discipline in generations of young men.
Today, we honor the legacy of Coach Hughes, whose impact on Fort Worth ISD and high school basketball nationwide will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched throughout his illustrious career.”
Fort Worth ISD Athletics
“The Fort Worth ISD Athletics department is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of esteemed basketball coach, Robert Hughes, Sr. Our deepest sympathies go out to Bob Jr., his family, the (Dunbar) community, and the Stop 6 area.”
This story was originally published June 12, 2024 at 12:52 PM.