They Cleared the Lane: The NBA's Black Pioneers

by Ron Thomas

Book Overview

Today, black players compose more than eighty percent of the National Basketball Association's rosters, providing a strong and valued contribution to professional basketball. In the first half of the twentieth century, however, pro basketball was tainted by racism, as gifted African Americans were denied the opportunity to display their talents. Through in-depth interviews with players, their families, coaches, teammates, and league officials, Ron...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0803294549
• ISBN13: 9780803294547
• Release Date: March 2004
• Publisher: Bison
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Wonderful read!

Ron Thomas' They Cleared the Lane is a wonderful read about the history of basketball and its racial integration. Most people don't know that the now prominent NBA struggled through several decades before finding firm financial footing. Also hidden in the history of the sport is its early segregation and the challenges faced by the first black players who integrated the league. The stories are engrossing and emotionally charged and reveal a great deal about the changing fabric of American society. The book works well as a supplementary text for the course the Sociology of Sport (where I've used it). It would also serve equally well as a supplementary text for courses in race and ethnicity. It is a must read for those who believe themselves to be students of the NBA. We should all thank Ron Thomas for chronicling this very important history.

An Ignored History Brought To Life

They Cleared The Lane: The NBA's Black Pioneers by Ron Thomas, is an informative and entertaining account of the early Black players and coaches of the NBA.It is obvious Mr. Thomas has done extensive research through interviews, and media archives to examine and clarify the enormous social and athletic impact of the early Black NBA players. As a true basketball fanatic, I enjoyed the opportunity to read and learn about some important individuals who help to shape and define the NBA.

A Toast a Must Read & Have

folks need to Know the Pioneers that Paved the way for Ball today.50-52 Years ago isn't that long ago.alot isn't mentioned of it & hat's really sad to me.but glad to have this Book that speaks on the Past,Present & The Future.A Toast to the Men who Paved the way.

Anecdotes, engaging stories, and little-known facts

They Cleared The Lane by professional sportswriter Ron Thomas is the amazing story of the people who dared to break the color line in professional basketball. Once, racism dominated this sport in America, but the efforts of the first professional black players and coaches changed all that. Filled with anecdotes, engaging stories, and little-known facts, They Cleared The Lane is informative reading that will appeal to all basketball enthusiasts who want to learn more about the history of this beloved sport. They Cleared The Lane is also highly recommended for Black Studies supplemental reading lists and reference collections.