Texas Western's 1966 NCAA Championship

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Questions and Answers

What year did Texas Western win the NCAA championship with an all-Black starting five?

1968

1966 (correct)

1964

1970

Who was the coach of Texas Western during their historic victory?

Adolph Rupp

Don Haskins (correct)

Bobby Joe Hill

Dana Hunsinger Benbow

Which team's all-white squad did Texas Western defeat in the championship game?

North Carolina Tar Heels

UCLA Bruins

Duke Blue Devils

Kentucky Wildcats (correct)

How did Coach Haskins treat his players during the season?

He treated all players equally, with harsh criticism. Signup and view all the answers

What notable message did Coach Haskins convey to the players before the game?

It's up to you. Signup and view all the answers

How did sports media react to Texas Western's victory at first?

They seemed confused and unsure of how to respond. Signup and view all the answers

What was Worsley's primary thought during the championship game?

Returning home to see his mother. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of player behavior, what was notable about the Kentucky players during the final game?

They maintained focus solely on winning the game. Signup and view all the answers

Which player did Coach Haskins primarily summon to address the team?

David Lattin Signup and view all the answers

What does Pat Riley describe college basketball as during the 1960s?

The toy department of human affairs. Signup and view all the answers

What was the composition of Texas Western's championship team?

Five Black players and a white coach Signup and view all the answers

What was Coach Haskins' primary reason for playing an all-Black starting five?

Because they were the best players on the team Signup and view all the answers

What was the key strength of Texas Western's gameplay against Kentucky?

Faster players with strong rebounds. Signup and view all the answers

What immediate impact did Texas Western's win have on discussions of racial equity?

The racial background of players was largely ignored afterwards. Signup and view all the answers

How did Willie Worsley's mother view discussions about race?

With a focus on treating people kindly Signup and view all the answers

What does Riley express regret about after the championship game?

The lack of handshakes between the teams. Signup and view all the answers

What was one major defensive aspect of Texas Western during the game against Kentucky?

Their defense held up against Kentucky's offense. Signup and view all the answers

What concern did Julia Worsley have when her son was recruited by Texas Western?

Fear of racial discrimination in a Southern state Signup and view all the answers

What does Worsley’s statement about the championship game suggest regarding race?

Race did not factor into the competition for him. Signup and view all the answers

What was Willie Worsley's height listed as, and how did he feel about his basketball skills?

5-6, a basketball phenom Signup and view all the answers

How did Worsley describe his experience with discrimination while attending college?

He felt largely accepted and had a positive experience Signup and view all the answers

What advice did Julia Worsley give her son about life?

You meet the same people going up as you do coming down Signup and view all the answers

Who helped Willie Worsley navigate the airport on his way to Texas Western?

A white woman from Queens Signup and view all the answers

What did Haskins emphasize about his decision to recruit Black players?

His primary focus was winning games Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the game played by Texas Western in March 1966?

It helped to dismantle racial stereotypes and opened doors for future Black athletes. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects Coach Haskins' attitude towards racial integration in sports?

He felt that basketball should have equal opportunities for all races. Signup and view all the answers

How was the 1966 Texas Western game compared to Jackie Robinson's impact on baseball?

Both were integral moments in challenging the status quo of racial segregation. Signup and view all the answers

What broader societal context surrounded the Texas Western game?

Continued racial unrest and the ongoing civil rights movement. Signup and view all the answers

What event is referred to as 'Bloody Sunday'?

A march led by John Lewis in Selma, Alabama. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in terms of racial segregation?

It helped to outlaw institutional racial segregation in the U.S. Signup and view all the answers

What was the immediate impact of Texas Western’s victory over Kentucky?

It served as a catalyst for change in sports and society for Black individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What did Flournoy's statement imply about the perceptions of Black individuals in sports before the 1966 game?

They were commonly thought to be incapable of competing at high levels. Signup and view all the answers

What was the headline of the Sports Illustrated cover featuring the team?

Texas Western Takes it All Signup and view all the answers

Which player scored 16 points and had nine rebounds during the historic game?

Lattin Signup and view all the answers

What strategy did Lattin and his team use to gain an advantage over the opposing team?

Passing the ball frequently and disrupting the rhythm Signup and view all the answers

How did Lattin perceive the attitude of the Kentucky players during the game?

They were respectful and eager to compete Signup and view all the answers

What was the players' main focus during the historic game, according to Lattin?

Winning the basketball game Signup and view all the answers

What action did Riley suggest could have improved the situation after the game?

Exchanging embraces Signup and view all the answers

What was significant about Texas Western's championship win in relation to college sports?

It sparked the integration of college sports. Signup and view all the answers

How did Haskins disrupt the status quo in college basketball?

By starting five Black players in the championship game. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major reaction to Haskins's decision to start Black players?

He faced thousands of pieces of hate mail. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Nolan Richardson in the context of Texas Western's basketball team?

A player already on the team when Haskins arrived. Signup and view all the answers

What role did sports play for African Americans according to Richard Pierce?

A vehicle for equitable competition with whites. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the goals of the NAACP regarding sports?

To have Black people participate in sports as a demonstration of citizenship. Signup and view all the answers

What notable event occurred after the NCAA title in 1966?

The team met with President Lyndon B. Johnson. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Texas Western's 1966 NCAA Title

Texas Western University's all-Black starting five won the 1966 NCAA championship, a significant moment in sports history.
The team, coached by Don Haskins, defeated Kentucky's all-white squad.
This victory was significant because it was the first time an all-Black starting five had won the NCAA title.

The Significance of the Event

The 1966 championship game happened during the Civil Rights Movement.
The win was seen as a watershed moment in college athletics, comparable to Jackie Robinson's impact.
The victory challenged racial segregation and stereotypes in sports, opening doors for Black athletes and other opportunities.

The Coach's Actions

Coach Don Haskins, a white coach, summoned the Black players to his room before the game.
He addressed the players and demanded their focus and unity.
Haskins believed the players deserved to be successful, regardless of colour.
Haskins did not see colour when he chose the players, rather focused on their talent and abilities.

Post-Game Reaction

Despite the historic nature of the victory, the media often initially ignored the racial aspects of the event.
The players' skin colour was not always highlighted in the subsequent news reporting.
Haskins' approach to the team was notable, suggesting he believed equally in everyone.

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Description

Explore the historic victory of Texas Western's all-Black starting five in the 1966 NCAA championship. Learn about the societal implications of this groundbreaking achievement during the Civil Rights Movement and the pivotal role played by Coach Don Haskins. This quiz delves into the significance of sports in challenging racial stereotypes.