Michael Jordan responded to the passing of former basketball coach and Nike executive George Raveling, who died at age 88. Darren Rovell shared a statement from Jordan, who credited Raveling for his decision to sign with Nike and launch the famous Air Jordan brand.

George Raveling, a Hall of Fame college basketball coach who Michael Jordan credits with influencing him to sign with the sneaker brand Nike — a move that launched a cultural phenomenon — has died.

George Raveling, a Hall of Fame basketball coach who played a role in Michael Jordan signing with Nike, has died at 88. “Without him, there would be no Air Jordan.”