Ron Abernathy, a longtime assistant coach, died at the age of 75 in Jackson, Tennessee, the program announced on Thursday.
The Louisville, Kentucky native helped former head coach Dale Brown lead the Tigers to multiple NCAA Tournament berths, including Final Four appearances in 1981 and 1986.
Abernathy, who also held the position of associate coach, was the program’s first African-American coach, according to a 1976-77 LSU basketball media guide. He helped Brown in all phases of coaching and recruiting.
Former LSU head coach and current assistant coach Johnny Jones was one of the players Abernathy recruited to Baton Rouge
“Ron Abernathy recruited me out of high school, and following my playing career, we had the opportunity to work together for several years,” Jones said in a statement. “He was a tremendous role model who constantly emphasized the importance of representing your family, team, and school with pride and integrity.”
Abernathy helped Brown complete the recruiting of legendary LSU and Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame player Shaquille O’Neal.
After Abernathy’s time at LSU, he became the head coach of Tennessee State (1989-91). He was the athletic director and basketball coach at Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee, in 2006. He also became the winningest coach in the program’s history.
Abernathy was named the head coach of the Humboldt High School boys’ basketball team in Humboldt, Tennessee, in 2014. Five years later, he earned Boys Basketball Coach of the Year in Tennessee and in March of this year, he retired.
He is survived by his wife Sharon, son Ron Jr. and his daughter, Charity.
“His influence extended far beyond basketball, and the lessons he taught will continue to inspire generations to come. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten,” said Coach Jones.