Ned Wulk, 83; Former Basketball Coach for Arizona St. Sun Devils

Ned Wulk, 83, who built a 406-272 win-loss record in the 25 years he coached the Arizona State Sun Devils basketball team, died Saturday after a lengthy illness in Tempe, Ariz.

During his 1958-82 tenure, which included moving games from a tiny gym into the newly built Wells Fargo Arena in 1974, Wulk scored 17 winning seasons and coached his team into nine NCAA tournament appearances. He also coached several players who went on to professional basketball careers -- Art Becker, Joe Caldwell, Lionel Hollins, Lafayette Lever, Freddie Lewis, Alton Lister, Kurt Nimphius, Byron Scott and Rudy White.

To his disappointment, Wulk was asked to relinquish his coaching position in 1982 following a 13-14 season, although he was given an administrative job. The university added him to its Hall of Fame that year, and in 1999 named the arena floor the Ned Wulk Court. He was inducted into the Pac-10 Hall of Honor earlier this year.

Wulk, who began his coaching career at Xavier University in Ohio, served as president of the National Assn. of Basketball Coaches in 1978.

A native of Marion, Wis., Wulk graduated from LaCrosse State Teachers College in Wisconsin, and earned a Purple Heart and the rank of captain in the Army during World War II.