Ben Davis Legend Steve Witty Receives Prestigious John Wooden Legacy Coaching Award

Former Giants head coach honored among national recipients for lifetime of excellence

Steve Witty, the retired head boys' basketball coach at Ben Davis High School, has been named one of Indiana's honorees for the 2025-26 John Wooden Legacy Coaching Award, presented by the National High School Basketball Coaches Association (NHSBCA).

The John Wooden Legacy Coaching Award recognizes scholastic basketball coaches across the nation who have demonstrated excellence on the floor, in the classroom, and in the community — embodying the characteristics and legacy of the legendary UCLA coach and Indiana native, John Wooden. Recipients are evaluated on education, longevity, character, service, and excellence.

Witty, 79, served as head coach of the Ben Davis Giants from 1989 to 2002, compiling a 266-68 record — a winning percentage of .796 — over 13 seasons. His tenure is widely remembered for back-to-back Indiana state championships in 1995 and 1996, along with a state runner-up finish in 1993 and a fourth State Finals appearance in 1994. His teams also captured seven sectionals, six regionals, four semi-states, and three Marion County Tournament titles, and were ranked No. 1 in the state in multiple seasons.

The honors Witty earned during his coaching career reflect just how consistently he was recognized as among the best in the state. He was named Marion County Coach of the Year six times and IBCA District 3 Coach of the Year three times (1993, 2001, and 2002). Twice he was named Indiana's state Coach of the Year — in 1995 and 1996, the same seasons his Giants won back-to-back state titles. In 1994, he was selected as the head coach of the Indiana All-Star team.

His recognition extended beyond basketball as well. In 1997, Governor Evan Bayh named Witty a Sagamore of the Wabash — one of Indiana's highest civilian honors, awarded to those who have made outstanding contributions to the state. He was later inducted into the Franklin College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007, and in 2012, he received what many consider the ultimate recognition for an Indiana basketball figure: induction into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.

Witty's program didn't just win — it produced some of the finest players in the state. He coached 1995 Indiana Mr. Basketball Damon Frierson, and three additional Indiana All-Stars: Don Mallory (1994), Courtney James (1995), and James Patterson (1995), along with Junior All-Star Aaron Patterson (2000).

"This award is a testament to a long-standing commitment you have made as a teacher/coach within your community," wrote Greg Wooden, grandson of John Wooden, in a letter to each recipient. "I know that if my grandfather were here today, he would feel that it was an honor to meet you."