Bruce Drake played forward and guard at the University of Oklahoma and after graduating became assistant coach at Oklahoma, then head coach in 1938. Coach Drake led his undersized Oklahoma Sooners (known as the "Roundball Runts") to consistent winning seasons. Employing a ball-control weaving offense known as the "Drake Shuffle", his teams captured six Big Six titles in his 17 seasons. Three of Drake's "Runts" became All-Americans, and five became Olympians. Drake led Oklahoma to three NCAA tournaments in 1939, 1943 and 1947. After leaving Oklahoma following the 1954-55 season, he coached the U.S. Air Force team to the armed services championship. He conducted basketball clinics all over the world, was a leading proponent of goaltending, and chaired the NCAA Rules Committee for five years. Drake served as Assistant Coach to the 1956 U.S. Olympic Gold Medal team.

Died December 4, 1983