Atlanta Mourns the Loss of Basketball Icon Bob Reinhart

Atlanta, Georgia, October 23, 2025

News Summary

The basketball community is grieving the passing of Bob Reinhart, a monumental figure in Georgia State basketball. Reinhart, who coached the Georgia State Panthers to their first NCAA tournament in 1991, left an indelible mark on the sport. His legacy is highlighted by a remarkable coaching career, numerous victories, and inductions into various halls of fame. As a player and coach, his influence shaped many lives and will be remembered by future generations.

Atlanta, Georgia: Remembering a Basketball Legend

The basketball community is mourning the loss of Bob Reinhart, a key player in the history of Georgia State basketball, who passed away at the age of 87 on a recent Monday. Reinhart’s journey in basketball was rich and varied, spanning from high school to the professional level, leaving a lasting impact that will not be forgotten.

Coaching Tenure at Georgia State

Bob Reinhart took the helm as the head coach of the Georgia State Panthers from 1985 to 1994. During his time, he achieved remarkable milestones, including leading the Panthers to their first-ever NCAA tournament appearance in 1991. His leadership paid off tremendously when the Panthers won the Trans America Athletic Conference tournament held in Deland, Florida, the same year.

Over the course of nine seasons, Reinhart compiled a total of 107 victories, setting a program record that remained untouched for over two decades. One of his notable challenges came during the 1991 NCAA tournament when his Panthers faced the University of Arkansas Razorbacks, losing with a score of 117-76. This experience, though challenging, helped to elevate the program’s competitive stature.

A Pioneer in Georgia State Athletics

Reinhart is often regarded as the first significant hire in Georgia State’s athletic history. A long-time broadcaster for GSU sports commented on how crucial this move was for the program’s development and its ability to compete at a higher level.

A Diverse Coaching Journey

Before his time at Georgia State, Reinhart had a remarkable coaching background, which included stints in high school, college, and even professional basketball. He was a three-time state championship head coach at Decatur High School before taking on the role of an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks. Furthermore, Reinhart spent over 20 years as an NBA scout, further broadening his influence in the basketball community.

In 2022, he was recognized for his impressive contributions by being inducted into the Georgia State Athletics Hall of Fame, followed by an induction into the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame in 2023. His impact on the sport is reflected not only in accolades but also in the passion he instilled in players throughout his career.

A Legacy of Success and Influence

Reinhart’s basketball journey began as a player under the legendary coach Branch McCracken at Indiana University. During his early coaching days at Decatur High School, he won a state championship in his first year, leading the Decatur Bulldogs to six state final fours during his incredible tenure. Notably, Reinhart was proud to coach his son, Bobby Jr., who now carries on that legacy by coaching high school basketball in Florida.

His time as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks allowed Reinhart to emphasize the importance of preparation, learning from the tactical intricacies taught by then-head coach Mike Fratello. Reinhart’s unwavering confidence played a significant role in overcoming the challenges faced by a struggling Georgia State program, ultimately leading them to success.

Conclusion

Reinhart is remembered not just for his achievements but also for his substantial contributions to basketball at every level, specifically in the Atlanta area. His passing marks a significant moment in the history of Georgia State basketball, and while he may be gone, his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.

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Additional Resources

• Atlanta News First
• 11Alive
• Georgia State Sports
• Fox 5 Atlanta
• AJC
• Wikipedia: Basketball
• Google Search: Bob Reinhart
• Google Scholar: Bob Reinhart
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
• Google News: Bob Reinhart

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.