 In 1963–64, John led Drake to the postseason with an invitation to the 12-team 1964 National Invitation Tournament at Madison Square Garden in New York City.There, the Bulldogs defeated Pittsburgh 87-82, before losing to New Mexico in the Elite Eight, 65–60.He led Drake (26–5) to the 1969 Final Four of the 1969 NCAA University Division Basketball Tournament, where the Cinderella Bulldogs gave powerhouse UCLA and Lew Alcindor a scare on their way to the NCAA Championship.