Texas Western Basketball

"A hero is someone who acts and, through those actions, changes the world." This quote by Magic Johnson captures the essence of what the 1966 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship game really meant. The members of Texas Western University changed the world and changed the game of basketball to make it the fun and exhilarating game we watch today. The African American members of the Texas Western team opened the doors for many African Americans because of one game, played forty years ago.

1966 NCAA National Champions

On March 19, 1966 the Texas Western Mens Basketball Team made NCAA championship game history by starting five African American players. Coached by Don Haskins, the Miners of Texas Western came into the game with a record of 27-1. The players were David "Big Daddy" Lattin, Bobby Joe Hill, Willie Worsley, Harry Flourney, Nevil Shed, Willie "Scoops" Cager, and Orsten Artis. Don Haskins decided just to run these seven black players because Kentucky coach Adolph Rupp suggested before the game that an all-black team could never beat his all white team; this was extra motivation for the miners to win the championship. In the first quarter David Lattin took a pass from Bobby Joe Hill and dunked the ball forcefully on the head of Kentucky's Pat Riley. This dunk sent a message to Kentucky and propelled the Miners to a 72-65 victory. The message was that black players could play as well as any other player from any other race.

The African American players of the Texas Western Miners are an inspiration to me because they paved the way for African American ball players today. Had not the miners won that national championship, people would have never seen the true quality of black players. People like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, or Shaquille O'Neal would probably never have had a chance to be the icons they are today. To be able to stay focused on playing ball when racism was stronger than ever was an extraordinary feat pulled off by extraordinary people.

What I like about the 1966 Texas Western Miners is that they are giving back to the community and helping other African Americans to be successful in life. Nevil Shed lives in San Antonio and every summer holds the San Antonio Spurs basketball camp for 9-17 year old kids. Willie Cager contributes by coordinating the after-school basketball program in the Ysleta School District in El Paso Texas. All the rest of the members still encourage kids to strive to achieve their goals. They teach others by their examples and this is why they encourage me to try my hardest to reach my goals and to give my best effort in all walks of life.

The 1966 Texas Western basketball team members are heroes to me because they were able to fulfill their dreams despite adversity. They did not have the opportunities and the luxuries children have today but they did have success. To me this means that I can have success in anything I do no matter what the circumstance. A hero to me is someone who never gives up and sets a good example for others who look up to them. The Texas Western Miners of 1966 seem to fit that description.