Bridgeport has a glorious high school basketball history. Walter Luckett, Charles Smith, John Bagley, Wes Matthews and Chris Smith to name a few. Local sports historian Don Harrison’s new book Hoops in Connecticut: The Nutmeg State’s Passion for Basketball is loaded with photos and anecdotes of legendary city stars. Says Don:
The book is a compact history of basketball in the state of Connecticut, covering outstanding college teams, high school teams and the 33 state natives who have played in the NBA. There are interviews with many of the game’s luminaries–from Naismith Basketball Hall-of-Famer Calvin Murphy to former NBA stars Charles Smith, John Bagley, Wes Matthews, Vin Baker and the late John Williamson. From former Harlem Globetrotter Alvin Clinkscales and the inimitable Frank “Porky” Vieira to Johnny Egan, Chris Smith, Tony Hanson and coaches Dee Rowe, Fred Barakat, Joe Vancisin, Dave Bike, Red Verderame, Bill Detrick and Harrison Taylor.
Look for the book at local bookstores and at www.historypress.net
*** CT has contributed much towards basketball in general, it’s about time the history is told! *** CT in the house! ***