Synopses & Reviews
In 1947, the same year Jackie Robinson broke the color line in Major League Baseball, Bill Garrett integrated college basketball. By joining the basketball program at Indiana University, he broke the gentleman's agreement that had barred black players from the Big Ten, college basketball's most important conference. While enduring taunts from opponents and pervasive segregation at home and on the road, Garrett became the best player Indiana had ever had, an all-American, and in 1951, the third African American drafted in the NBA. Within a year of his graduation from IU, there were six African American basketball players on Big Ten teams. Soon tens, then hundreds, and finally thousands walked through the door Garrett had opened.
Review
"Getting Open is an excellent read for sports fans, history buffs oranyone interested in biographies. And, it should be required reading for every younghigh school athlete on the way to college and every college athlete on the way tothe pros -- especially African American athletes. With all the scandals plaguingprofessional sports today, Bill Garrett's story might inspire a lot of folks --athletes and fans alike -- to bring some dignity back to the games." -- FrostIllustrated
Review
"Although this is a thoroughly researched study, the story is also gripping and well written so it reads like a novel." --Journal of African American History, Vol. 94, No. 1 (Fall 2009) Indiana University Press
Review
"The authors' style is readable and engaging, especially in the chapters on the march to the state title. It reads much like a real-life 'Hoosiers.'" --Franklin Daily Journal, November 2, 2008
Review
"A lively story, full of fascinating figures--heroes and villains--who changed history." --Chicago Tribune
Review
"... a spell binding piece of work that reads like a cross between a good mystery and a top notch golden age sports radio broadcast." --Frost Illustrated, Oct. 1 2008
Review
"Getting Open is an excellent read for sports fans, history buffs or anyone interested in biographies. And, it should be required reading for every young high school athlete on the way to college and every college athlete on the way to the pros--especially African American athletes. With all the scandals plaguing professional sports today, Bill Garrett's story might inspire a lot of folks--athletes and fans alike--to bring some dignity back to the games." --Frost Illustrated Indiana University Press
Review
"One of the most engaging sports stories I have ever read." --Indianapolis Monthly
Review
"A story of endurance, perseverance, and achievement on a par with any in the history of desegregation." --Washington Times
Review
"A striking and honest portrait of a man overcoming racism in a place that barely acknowledged its existence." --Publishers Weekly
Review
"Remember the Titans judiciously spliced with Hoosiers." --Washington Post Indiana University Press
Synopsis
The engaging story of the Jackie Robinson of college basketball
Synopsis
The engaging story of Bill Garrett--the Jackie Robinson of college basketball--who joined the basketball program at Indiana University in 1947 and broke the gentleman's agreement that had barred black players from the Big Ten. Within a year of his graduation from IU in 1951, there were six African American basketball players on Big Ten teams. Soon tens, then hundreds, and finally thousands walked through the door Garrett had opened.
About the Author
Tom Graham grew up in Bill Garrett's hometown and played basketball on the freshman team at Indiana University, before graduating from Harvard Law School. He practiced international law in Geneva, Switzerland, and Washington, D.C. He lives in Portland, Oregon.
Rachel Graham Cody is a graduate of Swarthmore College and Harvard Divinity School, where her focus was African American studies. She lives in Portland, Oregon.
Table of Contents
Map of Indiana
Prologue
Part One
1. October 15, 1943
2. The Way Things Are
3. Frank's Office
4. The Black Bears
5. January 3, 1947
6. Hoosier Hysteria
7. Golden Again
8. March 22, 1947
Part Two
9. The Sheriff
10. "Comin' Out a Man"
11. Gentlemen's Agreement
12. The Chief and the President
13. Down t'IU
14. The Hurryin' Hoosiers
15. Coming Home
16. A Gym Needs a Name
Postscript
Eight Who Came Before
Acknowledgments
Notes
Sources
Index