1963 Loyola played with four Black players

[sycamorebacker]

The other night during a game they showed a plaque that commemorated a game in 1963 when Loyola played a game with Black players on their roster. They said that was an historic occasion. I know Oscar Robertson and many others played college ball a long time before 1963.
Can anyone explain that to me?

 

[4Q_iu]

The other night during a game they showed a plaque that commemorated a game in 1963 when Loyola played a game with Black players on their roster. They said that was an historic occasion. I know Oscar Robertson and many others played college ball a long time before 1963.
Can anyone explain that to me?

The HISTORIC angle was having 4 Black STARTERS, not so much the roster aspect, prior to Loyola, most, many teams subscribed to the following formula: play two (black players) at home, three on the road and four when trailing...

Though Wiki, a good summary...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_participation_in_college_basketball#Collegiate_play

Note how many Indiana-native players are mentioned... a lot of credit is given to Bill Garrett for integrating the big ten... more attention needs to be paid NATIONALLY for Clarence Walker integrating INTERCOLLIGATE POST-SEASON PLAY

 

[jben]

A very information program discussing the Loyola win over Cincinnati in 1963....watched it in CBSSN.
Lucas Williamnson was heavily involved with the program and narration. Good stuff.......and at my age I remember it well.

 

[jben]

Oops...informative...not information.

 

[bluestreak]

Jerry Harkness was a starter on that team and had a long career as a sportscaster in Indianapolis

 

[4Q_iu]

Jerry Harkness was a starter on that team and had a long career as a sportscaster in Indianapolis

Not too mention his Pacers' career - he began their 1969 ABA Finals season on the club; 10 game appearances before retiring from pro ball

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/harknje01.html