PDF The Baron and the Bear: Rupp's Runts; Haskins's Miners; and the Season That Changed Basketball Forever by David Kingsley Snell in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Soaring AffirmationBy S. HarrisonTHE BARON AND THE BEAR; published by the prestigious University of Nebraska Press; is an incredible true story about the NCAA championship basketball game of 1966. In this championship game; the favored all-white University of Kentucky team was beaten by little known Texas Western College in a game in which TWC fielded only black players. Not only was this game a classic David versus Goliath match; it also broke the unwritten rule that limited the number of black players a college could play on the court at the same time.Beautifully written; THE BARON AND THE BEAR is a psychological study of two of the best coaches in NCAA history — Adolph Rupp and Don Haskins. It also stands on its own merits as a treatise on basketball strategy. Set in the racially tense 1960s; David Kingsley Snell’s book serves as an affirmation of the strength inherent in determination; tough discipline; and team unity. Snell will definitely garner fans with his meticulous research and his ability to develop tension that builds toward a soaring and finely crafted denouement.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A New PerspectiveBy CustomerHaving been fortunate to be a part of Texas Western's 1966 Team. I thought Mr. Snell did a fantastic job of bringing the 1966 Kentucky Team to life. Over the last fifty years I have read; heard and seen much about the 1966 season and title game and most of it was from Texas Western's view point. So it was nice to "get to know" the Kentucky players somewhat. Over the years I have wondered about their thoughts and feelings on the 1966 season and game. One thing for sure the Texas Western and Kentucky teams had in common was they were not overly fond of their respective coaches. The two coaches separated by age were very similar in the coaching styles. One preached DEFENSE and one preached OFFENSE. One difference they had in style was that in four years I NEVER heard Coach Haskins cuss a player. Although he had his own phrases and terms that would challenge your manhood and get inside your mind. Mr. Snell is to be congratulated for bringing a new perspective to the 66 season.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A TRIP DOWN GLORY ROAD WITH THE PARTICIPANTS.By TriggerAn outstanding effort by Mr. Snell to capture the season through the eyes of the players who actually participated that year leading to the showdown in College Park; Maryland on March 19; 1966. Much has been written about the Texas Western Team; its players and coaches; but; not so much; about Coach Rupp and his fine players that year. Mr. Snell takes the reader week by week through the eyes of the players during the 1965-1966 season; with inside insights; both humorous and informative. A great book and one that should be on every sports fan's bookshelf as well as a part of every library for access by those who study the racial history of our Country..