LOS ANGELES - Transformative LSU men's basketball coach Dale Brown has been named the 2027 recipient of the Los Angeles Athletic Club John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching Award and will be presented with the award at their annual ceremony in April of 2027.

Shaquille O'Neal presented the news to his former coach via a special video message that Brown would be receiving the award.

Brown coached the LSU men's basketball program from 1972 to 1997 and was instrumental in furthering the impact of basketball on Louisiana as he campaigned around the state trying to raise awareness and interest in the game early in his coaching career.

A career that spanned 25 years saw Brown amass 448 victories while taking the Tigers to  two NCAA Final Four appearances.

Brown's teams won four SEC regular season championships and made the NCAA Tournament 12 times, and the head coach is still the winningest coach in LSU men's basketball history.

Established in 1999, the John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching Award recognizes coaches whose accomplishments, leadership, character, and dedication to their student athletes reflect the values and philosophy of Coach John Wooden. The honor celebrates not only success on the basketball court but also the lasting influence coaches have on the lives of their players.

Since its establishment, the award has honored some of the most respected figures in college basketball, including Dean Smith, Mike Krzyzewski, Pat Summitt, Geno Auriemma, Tara VanDerveer, and Dawn Staley. Coach Brown now joins this distinguished group of coaches whose achievements and influence extend far beyond the basketball court.