The NBA in Black and White

Praise

“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