 McCarthy circa 1963 | |
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 1, 1923 Baldwyn, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Died | March 17, 1975 (aged 51) Baldwyn, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Mississippi State |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1955–1965 | Mississippi State |
| 1966–1967 | George Washington |
| 1967–1970 | New Orleans Buccaneers |
| 1970–1972 | Memphis Pros |
| 1972–1973 | Dallas Chaparrals |
| 1973–1974 | Kentucky Colonels |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 169–85 |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
| 4 SEC regular season (1959, 1961–1963) | |
| Awards | |
| 3× SEC Coach of the Year (1961–1963) ABA Coach of the Year (1974) | |
James Harrison "Babe" McCarthy (October 1, 1923 – March 17, 1975),[1] was an American professional and collegiate basketball coach. McCarthy was originally from Baldwyn, Mississippi. McCarthy may best be remembered for Mississippi State's appearance in the 1963 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament when his all-white team sneaked out of town in order to face Loyola University Chicago, which had four black starters.
In March 1975, McCarthy died as a result of colon cancer.