Philly native John Raymond "Ray" Scott's college career began at the University of Portland, and he was chosen as the 4th pick in the 1961 NBA draft by the Detroit Pistons. He spent six years with the Pistons, as a stand-out rebounder and deadly shooter from the perimeter, and another five years playing for other teams. Then in October 1972, Scott was promoted from Assistant to Head Coach of the Detroit Pistons, thanks in part to the strong support from retiring coach Earl Lloyd who, a decade earlier had scouted Scott and recommended that he be the Pistons top pick. Two years later he was named NBA Coach of the Year, the first African-American to win the coveted award. From 1976 to 1979, Scott was Men's Basketball Head Coach at Eastern Michigan University. Today, Ray lives with his family in Eastern Michigan, not far from Detroit. This is his first book. Charley Rosen is one of the most respected writers of books on basketball, including both fiction like NYT Notable Book The House of Moses All-Stars, and nonfiction like his telling of the Jack Molinas story in The Wizard of Odds. He has also been a sports commentator, at FOXSports.com and HoopsHype.com. He lives in Woodstock, N.Y.
"Scott, who became the first Black coach to be named NBA Coach of
the Year in 1974, delivers a moving reflection on his influential
career. . . . Fans of the sport will relish Scott’s
insights, including how the game’s been changed by the emphasis on
three-point shooting. . . . a valuable addition to hoops
history."
—Publishers Weekly
"This is a truly wonderful book that reveals the difficulties of
the quota system and all the other obstacles that African American
NBA players had to face when the league began to integrate in the
mid-1950's and beyond. It also tells how Ray and many
other great Black players managed to achieve the fulfillment
of their respective talents. Indeed, Ray was the rare
successful NBA player who became a successful NBA coach. Along the
way, the plight of 'ordinary' Black citizens who succeeded and/or
tragically failed in facing their own racial barriers
is addressed. Above all, Ray's honesty, intelligence, and deep
understanding of how social injustice influences every aspect
of all our collective and individual lives, makes this narrative
totally relevant today. There's enough wisdom in here to
enlighten and inspire even people who have little or no interest in
basketball. Incredibly powerful—a must read."
—Hubie Brown, NBA Coach of the Year (1978, 2004), member of
Basketball Hall of Fame
"I first met Ray Scott in 1965 when I was a rookie player for the
Detroit Pistons. I was scared to death of the challenges I
faced trying to make it in the NBA, but Ray welcomed me
to the team. As one of the veterans, he organized all the
players to work out and prepare for camp together. It
meant the world to me, and I have never forgotten how he treated
me. Ray's book brought back so many good memories from my NBA days.
He was and is a leader and a wonderful example of how we should all
respect, get along, and love each other. Ray is a good man."
—Tom Van Arsdale, twelve-year NBA player, three-time All Star
"Ray Scott has chronicled his four-decades-long basketball odyssey
beautifully. It is a thoughtful and well-written book about
the transforming landscape of the NBA. He shares his firsthand
knowledge and experiences and adds value to an era not so
often discussed. I have been blessed to have known Ray, and blessed
even more to have someone who trudged through the early days
of the NBA, take me along with him for the journey." —Marques
Johnson, twelve-year NBA player, five-time All Star
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