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The NBA in Black and White: The Memoir of a Trailblazing NBA Player and Coach Hardcover – June 14, 2022

5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars 26 ratings
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A memoir of hard lessons learned in the racially segregated and sometimes outright racist NBA of the early ‘60s by celebrated NBA player and the first Black Coach of the Year, Ray Scott. Introduced by Earl "the Pearl" Monroe.

“There’s a basic insecurity with Black guys my size,” Scott writes. “We can’t hide and everybody turns to stare when we walk down the street. … Whites believe that their culture is superior to African-American culture. ... We don’t accept many of [their] answers, but we have to live with them.”

Ray Scott was part of the early wave of Black NBA players like Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who literally changed how the game of professional basketball is played—leading to the tremendously popular financial blockbuster the NBA is today. Scott was a celebrated 6’9” forward/center after being chosen by the Detroit Pistons as the #4 pick of the 1961 NBA draft, and then again after he was named head coach of the Pistons in October 1972, winning Coach of the Year in the spring of 1974—the first black man ever to capture that honor.

Scott’s is a story of quiet persistence, hard work, and, most of all, respect. He credits the mentorship of NBA player and coach Earl Lloyd, and talks about fellow Philly native Wilt Chamberlain and friends Muhammad Ali and Aretha Franklin, among many others. Ray has lived through one of the most turbulent times in our nation’s history, especially the time of assassinations of so many Black leaders at the end of the 1960s. Through it all, his voice remains quiet and measured, transcending all the sorrows with his steadiness and positive attitude. This is his story, told in collaboration with the great basketball writer, former college player and CBA coach Charley Rosen.
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  1. Print length
    256 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Seven Stories Press
  4. Publication date
    June 14, 2022
  5. Dimensions
    5.71 x 1.01 x 8.52 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    164421198X
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1644211984
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"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

About the Author

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 Rosenis 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.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Seven Stories Press (June 14, 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 164421198X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1644211984
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.71 x 1.01 x 8.52 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars 26 ratings

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Charley Rosen

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Customer reviews

5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5
26 global ratings
Dedicated to my family, friends, teammates, players, loyal fans and allies...
5 Stars
Dedicated to my family, friends, teammates, players, loyal fans and allies...
I pray I share my vision and thoughts clearly for the good we can do. I stand on many shoulders. People who imbued my character and are part of this work that reflects my soul. Men and women who steered me to success and always trying to have me be a good man. I thank them one and all.
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Top reviews from the United States

J. Russell Peltz
5.0 out of 5 stars Brought Back Many Wonderful Memories
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2023
Verified Purchase
A mutual friend recently put me in touch with Ray Scott, a Philly basketball legend I never saw play locally, but whose life stories I had listened to while working with chief copy editor Herm Rogul at the Evening & Sunday Bulletin in Philly when I worked there on the sports desk from 1967 to 1969. I devoured THE NBA IN BLACK AND WHITE in about three days and am a more knowledgeable person for it.
Many stories were familiar such as the legendary Mr. Silk's Third Base bar on the West Philly strip where Ray hung out with basketball stars and celebs while I spent many evenings there with boxers after my fight cards at the Blue Horizon and The Spectrum. Ray's recall of playing alongside Wilt Chamberlain and Guy Rogers (my all-time favorite Temple Owl) made me realize how fortunate I was to have seen them play in person as pros at the now-long gone Convention Hall.
I never knew, until he told me during our phone call, that Ray had promoted about half-a-dozen boxing cards in Detroit in the early 1960s and I think he's thinking about doing another book on boxing which I certainly will read.
The saga of a Black man in the NBA years ago never was easy and Ray spares no prisoners when discusses the rocky road he traveled as a player and also as a coach in the NBA and later in college.
Glad I was able to meet and speak with this Philly icon and thankful I read his story. You should, also.
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Al Lettieri, Jr.
5.0 out of 5 stars The real deal on the NBA and race/society from the 1955-1975 era
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2022
Verified Purchase
I can only recall leaving a review once before in 20 years on here. That was for Wayne Embry's book--Wayne was the NBA's 1st black GM. Ray was the NBA's first black Coach of the Year. The books are similar but different. Wayne's book focused on things from a front office perspective; Ray's views are as a player who transitioned to coach. To be the NBA Coach of the Year to fired a year later and never get another shot to coach in the league was criminal. I won't give anything away, the book explains why. The book is timely since we as a society are amidst a racial reawakening of sorts (some would say we are suffering from race fatigue) but keep in mind the focus is not on what is going on right now--it focuses on what happened to a man 50-60 years ago who was trying to make it in a society and a league that treated people of color like second class citizens. But forget the racial piece for a second. If you just like sports history--specifically NBA history--then this book is for you. These young guys today in the league making their millions and posting on social media....there is no them but for men like Ray Scott.
8 people found this helpful
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carol Sarnowski
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read!
Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2022
Verified Purchase
This book is a great read! It did a great job showing how inequities occurred even in professional sports, something that the younger generations don't realize. I loved how at the same time, Ray Scott's message of love and acceptance of other people's differences shined brightly. This book was an eye opener in just how society can't be inclusive and loving. I appreciate Scott's honesty and willingness to share his experiences--positive and negative! What I loved is he still has hope even after all of the ugly he has witnessed that we as a society can change--by just living together as one on an equal playing field!
Coach Scott, you continue to make this world a better place and deserve Coach of the Year, still today!💕
5 people found this helpful
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Roger R
5.0 out of 5 stars African American Must Know History
Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2022
Verified Purchase
I grew up watching Ray Scott play as a Detroit Piston…and as the first African American coach in the NBA to be named Coach of the Year. These days my college roommate and Mr. Scott are friends living in southeast Michigan…I look forward to meeting him, and signing my copy of this book.
2 people found this helpful
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Ray Scott
5.0 out of 5 stars Dedicated to my family, friends, teammates, players, loyal fans and allies...
Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2022
Verified Purchase
I pray I share my vision and thoughts clearly for the good we can do. I stand on many shoulders. People who imbued my character and are part of this work that reflects my soul. Men and women who steered me to success and always trying to have me be a good man. I thank them one and all.
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Ray Scott
5.0 out of 5 stars Dedicated to my family, friends, teammates, players, loyal fans and allies...
Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2022
I pray I share my vision and thoughts clearly for the good we can do. I stand on many shoulders. People who imbued my character and are part of this work that reflects my soul. Men and women who steered me to success and always trying to have me be a good man. I thank them one and all.
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7 people found this helpful
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William Ligon
5.0 out of 5 stars Observations that reflect the mood and the times
Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2022
Verified Purchase
So proud to have been Ray's last NBA rookie choice...He was modest in his assessment of his skills...He could play and he could coach...What I recall was how "classy" he was...This book is a testament to that fact...He left no one out...On behalf of all the other " role players"...THANKS
One person found this helpful
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Julie
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful heartfelt insights.
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2022
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I liked the non-judgemental honesty.
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Jameswilliams
5.0 out of 5 stars Erase Scott's book
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2022
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Ray Scott's book
2 people found this helpful
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