LSU Athletics has long been home to some of the greatest names in college sports history, and in 2025, two more legends have rightfully taken their place among the immortals. Former LSU men’s basketball head coach John Brady and standout forward Ronald Dupree were officially inducted into the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame, honoring their impact, legacy, and unwavering commitment to the university and its proud athletic tradition.
The ceremony, held in Baton Rouge on a night filled with emotion, celebration, and reflection, brought together generations of LSU fans, former players, coaches, and administrators to recognize the duo’s monumental contributions to the basketball program. For John Brady, it was a fitting tribute to a career defined by resilience, leadership, and one of the most memorable Final Four runs in school history. For Ronald Dupree, it was the ultimate acknowledgment of a player who embodied the grit, hustle, and tenacity that came to define LSU basketball in the early 2000s.
John Brady took over the LSU men’s basketball program in 1997 during a period of significant turmoil and transition. The program had endured NCAA sanctions, scholarship reductions, and waning fan interest. LSU needed a steady hand, a coach who could build—not just rebuild—and Brady was up to the task. Known for his no-nonsense demeanor and sharp basketball mind, Brady approached the job with a clear vision and relentless drive.
In just his fourth season, Brady led LSU to the Sweet 16 in 2000, signaling a shift in the program’s trajectory. But it was the unforgettable 2005-2006 season that cemented his legacy forever. With a roster anchored by future NBA stars Glen “Big Baby” Davis and Tyrus Thomas, Brady’s Tigers stormed through the NCAA Tournament, taking down top-seeded Duke and No. 2 seed Texas in a magical run to the Final Four.
That team captivated the nation with its size, defense, and swagger—and at the heart of it all was Brady, orchestrating a run that restored LSU basketball to national prominence. Though the Tigers ultimately fell to UCLA in the national semifinals, the impact of that season rippled far beyond the scoreboard. It reignited a passionate fan base, revitalized the program’s brand, and showed that LSU could once again compete with the elite.
Brady’s tenure at LSU was defined not only by success on the court but also by his ability to mentor young men through the ups and downs of college athletics. He coached with intensity, demanded accountability, and instilled a culture of hard work that lives on in the program today. His 192 career wins at LSU place him among the winningest coaches in school history, but perhaps more importantly, his players still speak of the life lessons they learned under his guidance.
One of those players was Ronald Dupree.
A native of Biloxi, Mississippi, Dupree arrived at LSU in 1999 as a relatively unheralded recruit. But from the moment he stepped on the court, it was clear he was special. Standing 6-foot-7 and playing with a relentless motor, Dupree was the kind of player every coach dreams of—versatile, tough, and always willing to do the dirty work. He quickly established himself as a force in the SEC, becoming a fan favorite with his aggressive rebounding, explosive finishes at the rim, and tenacious defense.
Over four seasons, Dupree scored more than 1,500 points and grabbed over 900 rebounds, making him one of the most productive players in LSU history. He was named All-SEC multiple times and served as the emotional and physical leader of the Tigers. Dupree’s senior season in 2002-03 was a culmination of years of hard work, as he averaged 15.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, helping guide LSU to the NCAA Tournament.
Dupree wasn’t just a star on the court—he was a leader in the locker room and a model representative of the university. His work ethic set the standard for younger players, and his humility and team-first attitude made him beloved by teammates and coaches alike. After graduating, Dupree went on to enjoy a professional career that included stints in the NBA and overseas, but his heart always remained in Baton Rouge.
Both Brady and Dupree took different paths to LSU greatness, but their stories are forever intertwined. Brady recruited and developed Dupree, helping him unlock his full potential. In turn, Dupree became the embodiment of Brady’s coaching philosophy: tough, disciplined, and unafraid of a challenge.
Their induction into the Hall of Fame is not just about wins, stats, or accolades—it’s about the lasting impact they had on the LSU community. During the ceremony, heartfelt tributes poured in from former players, colleagues, and fans. There were tears, laughter, and standing ovations as each man took the podium to reflect on their time at LSU.
Brady, never one for grandiosity, kept his speech simple and heartfelt. He thanked his players, assistant coaches, and the LSU administration for believing in him during some of the program’s darkest days. He recalled moments of doubt and struggle, but also triumph and pride. He spoke glowingly of the 2006 team and credited them with changing the narrative of LSU basketball forever.
Dupree, meanwhile, was overcome with emotion as he addressed the crowd. He spoke about his journey from Biloxi to Baton Rouge, the relationships that changed his life, and the pride he feels wearing purple and gold. He thanked Coach Brady for believing in him and holding him accountable, and he spoke directly to young athletes in the audience, urging them to chase their dreams with passion and perseverance.
For LSU, the 2025 Hall of Fame induction is more than a celebration—it’s a reminder of what makes Tiger athletics special. It’s about resilience, loyalty, and the ability to rise above adversity. John Brady and Ronald Dupree didn’t just win games—they helped restore the soul of LSU basketball.
Today, their names will forever be etched into the Hall of Fame, serving as an inspiration to future generations of Tigers. Whether it’s a coach taking over a program in disarray or a player rising from under-the-radar recruit to all-conference star, their stories remind us that greatness is built through sacrifice, belief, and an unrelenting desire to be better.
Brady and Dupree now join a prestigious list of LSU legends—names like Shaquille O’Neal, Dale Brown, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, and Seimone Augustus—individuals who didn’t just play or coach at LSU but left an indelible mark on the program and the university as a whole.
Their induction also underscores the unique bond between coach and player. In many ways, Brady and Dupree helped define each other’s legacy. Together, they weathered the storms of rebuilding, achieved incredible highs, and laid the groundwork for LSU’s continued success. The lessons they taught, the battles they fought, and the moments they shared continue to resonate throughout the halls of Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
As LSU looks to the future of its basketball program under new leadership and rising stars, the foundation laid by Brady and Dupree remains as strong as ever. Their induction into the Hall of Fame isn’t just about the past—it’s about preserving a legacy that still shapes the present and will continue to guide the future.
In a world of constant change and fleeting fame, the Hall of Fame provides permanence. And for John Brady and Ronald Dupree, this recognition serves as a powerful affirmation of a job well done, a career well lived, and a contribution that will never be forgotten.
So now, as their banners hang a little higher and their names shine a little brighter, the LSU family stands united in gratitude. Because legends like John Brady and Ronald Dupree don’t come around often—and when they do, they deserve to be remembered forever.
