Friends of Basketball

McGlother “Mac” Irvin, Sr.

Year Inducted: 2003

Category: Friends of Basketball

Schools / Organizations:

(Chicago) Tilden Tech High School

Mac Irvin Fire

Biography: 

Mac Irvin graduated from Tilden Tech, where he was a three-year letterman and co-captain in basketball. He received a bachelor of arts degree from St. Augustine College in Raleigh, N.C. Basketball was always Mac’s favorite sport. He was a volunteer coach for Biddy basketball, Small Fry, grammar school, high school, AAU and Pro-Am teams. He sponsored numerous camps and tournaments. His commitment to basketball proved to be a great way to stay involved with his six children.

He founded the highly successful Mac Irvin Fire boys AAU program. Counseling and guidance were always part of the program and he stressed the need for good character and high academic standards. He was able to help many young people get into college and find job opportunities.

His first job after graduating from college was as a manager for the City of Chicago Neighborhood Youth Corporation. That started a love affair of working with young people that lasted for years. He retired as a manager for Xerox after 25 years, where he was asked to serve on many corporate and civic boards of directors. He used that as a vehicle to get others involved in working with the community.

Mac received numerous awards for his community involvement but his greatest joy was the many young people who thanked him for the small part he played in their success.

Mac Irvin, who was considered the Godfather of Chicago basketball, died on December 24, 2011 at the age of 74.