Longtime basketball coach John O'Neill, known for his successful tenure at Rancho Buena Vista High School and Palomar College, passed away at 80 after a brief illness. Over 40 years, he amassed over 600 career wins, including leading RBV to five consecutive league championships and two San Diego Section Division 1 titles.

The Big Picture

O'Neill's impact extended beyond wins, nurturing a coaching tree that includes NBA head coach Jamahl Mosley and other successful coaches, shaping their leadership skills both on and off the court.

By the Numbers
  • John O'Neill won over 600 career games in his 40-year coaching career.
  • During his time at Rancho Buena Vista High School, O'Neill achieved a record of 218-129 and won five straight league championships.
State of Play
  • O'Neill's coaching legacy lives on through more than a dozen former players who have pursued coaching careers.
  • His tough-love coaching style shaped successful coaches and players, fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the court.
What's Next

The basketball community mourns the loss of a coaching icon like John O'Neill while celebrating the lasting impact he made on the sport through his mentorship and leadership.

Bottom Line

John O'Neill's legacy as a coach surpasses his impressive win record, defined by the mentorship and guidance he provided to countless players who have gone on to successful coaching careers, highlighting his profound influence on the basketball community.