Jim Valvano, often affectionately known as “Jimmy V,” began his career in basketball as a player at Rutgers University. Born in 1946, Valvano was a scrappy, undersized guard who made up for his lack of height with tenacity and a relentless work ethic. He was a key player on the Rutgers team that won the National Invitation Tournament in 1967, earning him a spot on the All-Tournament team.

After graduating, Valvano’s professional playing career was brief, but it was during this time that he began to cultivate his skills as a coach. He served as an assistant coach at Bucknell University and then at the University of Maryland, where he worked under legendary coach Lefty Driesell. It was here that Valvano began to hone his distinctive coaching style, characterized by his intense passion, charisma, and ability to inspire his players.

Jim Valvano’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Jim Valvano’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. This figure takes into account his earnings from his career as a basketball coach and analyst, as well as his various business ventures and investments.

Career

Jim Valvano, often referred to as “Jimmy V,” was a legendary basketball coach and broadcaster. He is best known for leading the North Carolina State Wolfpack to an improbable NCAA Championship in 1983, defeating heavily favored Houston and their superstar, Hakeem Olajuwon. Valvano’s charismatic personality and innovative coaching strategies made him a beloved figure in the sports world. After his coaching career, he became a highly respected analyst for ESPN.

Other Ventures

In addition to his coaching and broadcasting career, Valvano was also a successful entrepreneur. He founded the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research in 1993, which has raised millions of dollars for cancer research. Valvano was also a motivational speaker and author, using his platform to inspire others with his famous catchphrase, “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.”

Assets

Jim Valvano’s assets include his luxurious home in Raleigh, North Carolina, valued at around $1 million. He also owns several properties across the United States, including a vacation home in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Valvano’s estate also includes a substantial portfolio of stocks, bonds, and other investments, as well as his share in the Jimmy V Foundation.

Annual Income

Throughout his career, Jim Valvano’s annual income varied significantly. As a coach, he earned a base salary of around $200,000 at North Carolina State. After retiring from coaching, his annual income as an ESPN analyst was estimated to be around $500,000. Additionally, Valvano earned significant income from his motivational speaking engagements and book sales. His annual income from these ventures is not publicly disclosed.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Jim Valvano

Frequently Asked Questions about Jim Valvano

1. What was Jim Valvano’s net worth?

Jim Valvano’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million at the time of his death.

2. When was Jim Valvano born?

Jim Valvano was born on March 10, 1946.

3. Where did Jim Valvano grow up?

Jim Valvano grew up in Passaic, New Jersey.

4. What was Jim Valvano’s height?

Jim Valvano was 6 feet 5 inches tall.

5. What was Jim Valvano’s college basketball career like?

Valvano played college basketball at Rutgers University, where he was a two-time All-American and led the Scarlet Knights to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1970.

6. What was Jim Valvano’s coaching career like?

Valvano coached basketball at Iona College and then at North Carolina State University, where he won the NCAA Championship in 1983 and was named National Coach of the Year.

7. What was Jim Valvano’s broadcasting career like?

After retiring from coaching, Valvano became a popular college basketball analyst for ESPN. He was also the host of the popular show “The Jim Valvano Show.”

8. When was Jim Valvano diagnosed with cancer?

Valvano was diagnosed with cancer in 1992, while he was still broadcasting for ESPN.

9. What was the V Foundation for Cancer Research?

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded by Jim Valvano in 1993, with the goal of raising money for cancer research. The foundation has since raised over $200 million for cancer research.

10. When did Jim Valvano pass away?

Jim Valvano passed away on April 28, 1993, at the age of 47, after a long battle with cancer.