I grew up in the heart of the Depression.

People have been killing because of racial differences since the time of Adam and Eve, but in this country racism has been primarily aimed at African Americans.

You have to remember that coaching wasn't sophisticated back then - you didn't have the camps, clinics and all the technical advances that are available today - so from that standpoint, playing with a cast on my arm was a fortunate event in my life.

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

Sports create a bond between comtemporaries that lasts a lifetime. It also gives your life structure, discipline and a genuine, sincere, pure fulfillment that few other areas of endeavor provide.

The NBA wasn't a big deal at that time, so it wasn't really in my career plans.

Do your best when no one is looking.