Ben Carnevale


Bernard Louis Carnevale was an American basketball coach and college athletic administrator. He served as the head basketball coach at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1944 to 1946 and the United States Naval Academy from 1946 to 1966, compiling a career college basketball coaching record of 309–171. Carnevale was the athletic director at the College of William & Mary from 1972 to 1981. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1970.

Early years

Born in Raritan, New Jersey, Carnevale was a graduate of Somerville High School in Somerville, New Jersey. He graduated from New York University, where he was a member of the 1935 national championship team and played in the first National Invitation Tournament in 1938. While at NYU he was coached by the legendary Howard Cann. He served as a Navy officer during World War II, receiving the Purple Heart.

Career

Carnevale was the head basketball coach at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1944 to 1946. While coaching at UNC, he led the team to their first appearance in the title game. The Tar Heels lost the game to Oklahoma A&M, who won their second national crown under legendary coach Henry Iba.
Carnevale then moved to Navy between 1946 and 1966, compiling a 257–160 record despite the Naval Academy height restrictions, at that time 6'5". Carnevale was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1970.

Personal life

At the time of his death, Carnevale was living in Williamsburg, Virginia. His son, Mark, is a professional golfer, who has won on the PGA Tour and Nationwide Tour.

Head coaching record