Friends of Basketball

Wendell Graven

Year Inducted: 1991

Category: Friends of Basketball

Schools / Organizations:
Auburn High School

Biography: Wendell Graven is one of those basketball love affairs authors and writers refer to. As a youth, age 7, Gaven began shooting baskets at a rim, nailed to the barn on the family farm north of Shelbyville. Graven began playing organized basketball as a seventh grader at Findlay Grade School. He continued at Findlay High School after recovering from an injury which sidelined him as a freshman and then at Sparks College. He was married and raised a pair of sons, who were born in 1956 and 1958. Graven and his wife attended many Shelbyville and Findlay games, usually rooting for different teams.That is until sons Dean and Doug began playing grade school basketball. The Gravens followed their sons through high school and son Doug as a player at both Blackburn and Milliken. Wendell continued supporting Doug’s endeavors, joining him on many scouting trips as he coached at Easton, Niantic-Harristown, Fairfield and at Auburn. Graven and his wife have seen most of the games their son has coached. They have now started watching grandchildren Kyle, Byron and Tina in basketball pursuits. Graven said he is sure all three grandchildren will develop a love for the game and the countless trips up and down the gym floor that he has. Graven feels they will pour their hearts out into the game as he and his sons have. Graven hopes they will meet as many great coaches, referees and people in general as basketball has brought to him.