We played every night. Sometimes we'd stay overnight after a game, but we'd usually drive on to our next destination.

Cooper was my road roommate, and also happened to be the first African American player drafted by a National Basketball Association team.

Do your best when no one is looking.

I grew up in the heart of the Depression.

I had endured six years of frustration so I think winning it all meant more to me than most of the others on the team.

My biggest win was getting the meal money bumped from $5 to $7.

We played every night. Sometimes we'd stay overnight after a game, but we'd usually drive on to our next destination.