Texas Western NCAA Championship 1966

Texas Western University's basketball team achieved a historic victory in the 1966 NCAA Championship game, featuring a starting lineup composed of all Black players, beating Kentucky, which had all white starters.

A basketball team lineup consisting of all African-American players.

The white coach of the Texas Western basketball team that won the 1966 NCAA Championship.

The national collegiate basketball tournament championship in 1966.

The coach of the Kentucky Wildcats in 1966.

The basketball team from the University of Kentucky.

A key player in the Texas Western team featuring an all-Black starting lineup, who played center in the 1966 NCAA tournament.

The lack of reporting of the racial significance of the Texas Western victory.

Texas Western University's victory over Kentucky in the 1966 NCAA basketball tournament was a pivotal moment in college sports history because it broke down racial barriers and inspired future generations.

The period in U.S. history characterized by significant social and political movements advocating for equal rights for African Americans.

A pivotal moment in history analogous to Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball, marking a significant advancement in sports.

The historic 1966 win created momentum for increased opportunity and inclusion in college sports and beyond.

The practice of separating people based on race, common in the U.S., particularly in the South, before the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

A coach who challenged racial segregation in college sports by recruiting and fielding racially integrated teams.

A landmark U.S. legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

A time or event marking a turning point in history.

The best players on the team, and coincidentally, mostly Black.

Worsley felt no discrimination playing college basketball; he felt well-treated.

Haskins's goal was to assemble the strongest team possible, not to make a social statement.

Treat everyone kindly; maintain good relations with everyone regardless of where you are in life.

The presence of widespread segregation in the state prompted concern for Worsley.

Worsley's mother was apprehensive about the racial tensions in Texas.

Worsley had the determination to overcome potential challenges, with support from a well-meaning woman on the plane.

Coach Haskins selected the best players irrespective of race.

The 1966 NCAA men's basketball championship game between Kentucky and Texas Western, a pivotal moment in the history of college basketball and race relations.

Texas Western defeated Kentucky in the 1966 NCAA championship game, showcasing strategic basketball and a unified team despite racial tensions within both teams.

The Kentucky Wildcats basketball team led by Coach Adolph Rupp during the 1965-66 season.

Texas Western's team focused on strong defense, rebounding, and stealing passes, leading to their success against Kentucky.

Despite the background of racial tensions in society, the players of both teams didn't exhibit racial slurs or focus on skin color during the championship game.

Coach Haskins treated all players the same, regardless of race, fostering a sense of equality and unity within the team.

The players prioritized winning the championship game above racial differences, demonstrating a single-minded focus on victory.

College basketball was viewed as a contrast to the societal unrest and racial tension of the 1960s.

The 1966 NCAA Championship game, notable for Texas Western's all-Black starting lineup against Kentucky's all-white team. This game marked a turning point in college basketball.

David Lattin, a player on Texas Western's team, emphasizes the focus on winning, not race. He explains that the players were simply trying to win the game, and that the racial tension felt by coach Rupp wasn't reflected in the gameplay.

Coach Don Haskins of Texas Western motivated his players, urging them to focus on rest and preparation before the Kentucky game. He emphasized teamwork and strategic play over race.

The 1966 NCAA Championship game, with its historic all-Black starting lineup against all-white Kentucky, significantly impacted college basketball by highlighting athletic prowess and racial integration.

Texas Western's game strategy against Kentucky involved strong teamwork, passing, and shooting, disrupting Kentucky's rhythm and leading to their victory.

Haskins started an all-Black lineup in the NCAA championship game, defying the prevailing segregation in college sports.

It challenged racial segregation in college sports and helped pave the way for greater integration in the sport.

The NAACP encouraged Black participation in sports as a way to demonstrate their citizenship and character.

Haskins believed in the power of sports to bring people together and didn't see color when choosing players. He saw talent and potential.

The 1966 NCAA championship game served as a symbol of unity and progress, a testament to the power of sports to break down racial barriers.

Haskins received hate mail from both Black and white people, with Black people accusing him of exploiting Black athletes and white people expressing racist sentiments.

The NAACP believed that sports could be a vehicle for achieving racial equality and demonstrating the character of Black athletes.

It symbolized the game's contribution to national progress and the acceptance of Black athletes on a national stage.

Coach Don Haskins faced criticism from both Black and white communities for starting an all-Black lineup in the 1966 championship game. Some accused him of exploiting Black athletes, while others expressed racist sentiments.

Despite the historical significance of Texas Western's victory, the racial makeup of the team wasn't explicitly mentioned in newspaper articles following the game. This lack of coverage highlighted the racial climate of the time.

Coach Adolph Rupp, the Kentucky Wildcats coach, felt the pressure of facing Texas Western's all-Black lineup and expressed his concerns about the game's outcome. He felt his team couldn't compete against five Black players.

Coach Haskins claimed he selected his starting five based solely on their playing ability, regardless of race. He denied making a social statement by starting an all-Black lineup.

Despite his mother's concerns about potential discrimination in Texas, Willie Worsley reported feeling no racism while playing for Texas Western.

Coach Haskins's decision to start an all-Black lineup in the 1966 NCAA Championship game is considered a landmark moment in college basketball, demonstrating the potential of sports to break down racial barriers.

Texas Western's victory in the 1966 NCAA Championship, with its all-Black starting lineup, significantly impacted society, signifying progress in racial integration and inspiring future generations.

The 1966 NCAA Championship game challenged the notion that race determined athletic ability. Texas Western's all-Black starting lineup proved their skills and talent on the court.

Coach Haskins believed in building a winning team by selecting the best players, regardless of race. He fostered a sense of unity and equality within his team, rather than focusing on racial differences.

Coach Adolph Rupp of the University of Kentucky expressed his concerns about playing Texas Western's all-Black starting lineup, suggesting that they were unable to compete against five Black players. However, the game ultimately showcased the talent and skill of the Black players.

David Lattin, a player on Texas Western's team, emphasized that the focus was on winning the game, not race. He believed that the racial tension felt by coach Rupp wasn't reflected in the gameplay.

The five players who started the 1966 NCAA Championship game for Texas Western University, all of whom were Black.

Coach Haskins, a white coach, treated all his players equally, regardless of their race, focusing on their skills and contributions.

The Kentucky team, known for its white players, felt the pressure of facing Texas Western's all-Black starting lineup.

The Texas Western victory over all-white Kentucky in 1966 marked a significant moment in college basketball, challenging racial segregation in the sport.

Newspapers covering the 1966 NCAA Championship game didn't explicitly mention the racial makeup of the Texas Western team, highlighting the racial climate of the time.

The players on both teams, despite the backdrop of racial tension in society, focused on winning the championship game above their differences.

The Texas Western victory demonstrated the power of sports to challenge racial stereotypes and inspire change, despite the societal challenges of the time.

The coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, Adolph Rupp, expressed his concerns about facing an all-Black starting lineup from Texas Western, suggesting that they were not capable of competing. His reaction revealed the prevailing racial biases of the time.

The 1966 NCAA Championship game, with its historic all-Black starting lineup against Kentucky's all-white team, had a significant impact on college basketball. It highlighted the athletic prowess of Black players and challenged the existing segregation, ultimately leading to greater integration in the sport.

The 1966 victory not only broke a racial barrier in college basketball, but also served as a symbolic victory for the Civil Rights movement, challenging segregation and inspiring future generations.

Despite the racial tension in society, the players on both Texas Western and Kentucky focused on winning the championship game. This emphasizes the unifying power of sports and how it can transcend racial divisions.