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Texas Western's 1966 Title: A Game-Changer for Racial Equality

4/3/2026

28 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Louis Baudoin recalls the 1966 NCAA championship won by the Texas Western College Miners, the first team with an all-Black starting lineup.
The Miners defeated Kentucky, led by coach Don Haskins, marking a pivotal shift in college basketball amid racial unrest.
Baudoin recalls racial hostility.
Haskins received hate mail after the championship.
The Miners were later honored in the Hall of Fame.

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Story summary

Louis Baudoin recalls the 1966 NCAA championship won by the Texas Western College Miners, the first team with an all-Black starting lineup.
The Miners defeated Kentucky, led by coach Don Haskins, marking a pivotal shift in college basketball amid racial unrest.
Baudoin recalls racial hostility.
Haskins received hate mail after the championship.
The Miners were later honored in the Hall of Fame.