[ via Huffington Post ]
Gene Bartow, 81, who succeeded John Wooden at UCLA and later began UAB's athletic program, has died, UAB officials said. He was diagnosed with stomach cancer in April 2009.
Bartow, who was the president of the company that owns the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies and FedEx Forum, died Tuesday evening at his home in Birmingham, Ala., after a battle with stomach cancer, said university spokesman Norm Reilly.
"Coach Bartow is a beloved figure in college basketball and in the lives of many players and fans," said UAB athletic director Brian Mackin in a statement. "He was a great man and dedicated leader who set a standard of excellence for UAB athletics."
Read more: Huffington Post
