by Jimmy Carolan » Wed Oct 15, 2008 9:37 am
Donald,
Your mentioning of Loyola of Chicago in 1963 is pretty interesting. The movie "Glory Road" released a few years back chronicled the 1966 championship season of Texas Western, now known as University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). Coached by Don Haskins, they defeated a Pat Riley, Louie Dampier led Kentucky team coached by Adolp Rupp. It was the first time an all black starting 5 was used in NCAA history. What few people realize is that the Loyola team 3 years earlier had 4 black player start a game in the tournament and that went against a team rule limiting the number on black players on the court at one time.
Another connected side story, I recently was on a plane travelling from Dallas to NY when former NBA star Tim Hardaway sat down next to me. Tim Played at UTEP for legendary coach Don Haskins and was returning from his funeral. A very nice guy, for you St John's fans, he was part of "Rum TMC". The Tim (Hardaway), Mitch (Richmond), Chris (Mullen) combo at Golden State.
Jimmy