Hall of Fame
Over his six seasons as coach, Melvin brought St. Bonaventure basketball to national prominence.
After first upgrading the schedule, he coached Bona’s to its first postseason berth, an NIT bid in 1951, as well as its first national ranking in that same season.
The following season brought Bona’s first 20-win season (21-6) and a second NIT berth. St. Bonaventure’s 99-game home winning streak, the second longest streak in NCAA history, began under Coach Melvin.
Among the many fine players Melvin tutored was Ken Murray, whose 1,090 points was at the time the school record.
Melvin closed his Bonaventure career in 1953 with a record of 98-46, a 68% win percentage.
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