Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1993
Paul Valenti coached the 1966 Beavers to their first and only Pac-8 Conference title. OSU compiled a 21-7 overall mark and 12-2 in the Pac-8. The league title by OSU marked the only time in Pac-8 history a team other than UCLA captured the crown.
Oregon State opened league play by losing at UCLA before winning 12 of the next 13, including a 13-point victory at home over the Bruins and a season ending two-game sweep of Oregon. The Beavers advanced to the NCAA playoffs where they defeated Elvin Hayes and Houston in the opening round, 63-60, before suffering a second round loss to Utah.
OSU also won the Far West Classic title and in the process, its 27th straight game at the tournament.
The team finished the season as the NCAA's top defensive squad allowing only 54.5 points per game, with 10 opponents failing to eclipse the 50-point plateau.
Loy Petersen led the team for scoring average at 12.8 points with Charlie White at 11.7, Scott Eaton at 9.9, and Ed Fredenburg at 9.6. Fredenburg led the club for rebounding at 7.4. White was honored as a Helms Foundation All-American, All-Pacific Coast, All-Pac-8, NCAA Western Regional All-Star, Sports Network All-Star, and team MVP. Petersen joined White on the Sports Network All-Star squad and Rick Whelan joined White on the NCAA Western Regional team.
Valenti was assisted by Jim Anderson, Bill Harper, and Jim Jarvis. The team roster included: Bob Franz, Ray Carlile, Jeff Cudworth, Charlie White, Karl Weide, Gary Wilken, Larry French, Ed Fredenburg, Dave Fox, Loy Petersen, Harry Gunner, Rick Whelan, Scott Eaton, Terry Vaughn (manager), and Bill Robertson (trainer).
