PINEVILLE, La. (KALB) - Pineville High School dedicated its basketball court to former men’s basketball coach Bobby Rucker on December 3, honoring a coach who led the Rebels for 22 years.
A reception at the school brought generations of former players together to celebrate Rucker’s career. The court dedication was accompanied by proclamations by both the City of Pineville and the Louisiana Legislature declaring December 3, 2025, ‘Bobby Rucker Day’.
“I got a call one time that said we want to put your name on the floor. And I was shocked, to tell you the truth. But of course, I appreciate it,” Rucker said.
Rucker’s coaching career started with challenges. His first season included four losses, leaving him wondering what he had gotten into. However, things quickly improved under his leadership.
During his 22-year tenure, the Rebels won 448 games and five district championships. The team reached the state finals twice as runner-up. Rucker earned district coach of the year honors nine times and was named state coach of the year in 1970.
Marvin Hall, now the Rebels’ assistant coach, played for Rucker in the late 1970s.
“He was a part of me growing up, actually. I just learned a lot from him, the way he carried himself, the way he cared about kids, the way he interacted with kids. And he and I have been friends ever since,” Hall said.
Hall said he passes on the lessons Rucker taught him to the next generation. He also serves as assistant principal at Pineville High and was instrumental in pushing for the gym dedication.
“He’s very deserving, and we wanted to do that for him while he was still here to enjoy it,” Hall said.
Rucker said seeing former players return for the ceremony was meaningful.
“That makes me feel really good, because you never know when you’re coaching what kind of influence you’ll have on the kids. And I tried to be an influence for them, and I think it’s showing up tonight with them coming here,” he said.
Though retired, Rucker remains connected to the school.
“I go to all the football games, basketball games, and I’m still supporting them. I’ll always be a Rebel, you know. So, it’s really important to me,” Rucker said.
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