CHEMISTRY ON THE COURT
The Untold Story of a #1 TeamBy Mel Eaton Matuszak
ISBN: 1-930907-86-9
Non-fiction, 170pgs, $11.95
Fred “Tex” Winter stands today as one of basketball’s greatest living legends, having actively coached for an amazing 57 years, more than any other coach in the game’s history. Even more amazing is the influence he’s had on those whose lives he’s touched. His players, to a man, respect him and speak highly of his impact on their playing and non-playing years. He taught them not only the game of basketball, but also the game of life and how to play it fairly. It’s not been uncommon for players to send their sons to play under Tex Winter, no matter where he happened to be coaching.
Fond and amusing memories are constantly relived by many of his players, and Tex never tires of hearing them or bringing up some of his own. One of his quirks was his fumbling of names, particularly of the opponents. As one player mused at a tribute dinner for Tex, “He always called you by name. It may not have been yours, however!”
The former players share jokes at his expense, speaking perhaps of his legendary brown suit that he wore continuously through many games because he considered it “lucky.” The players say that suit could walk to the game by itself. Tex’s choice of fashion-defying ties precipitated a barrage of outrageous ties as a gift by one team. They thought it hilarious, but Tex seemed appreciative.
The players’ respect for Tex Winter has never wavered. He tolerated no foul language, no bad sportsmanship, and no lackadaisical play. He expected good grades, good manners, and good effort. No player was exempt from these standards.
Besides Tex Winter’s outstanding record as a coach, his contributions to the game overall have been significant. He, along with his Kansan friend Ken Mahoney, invented some devices that helped teach or refine the game. These include the toss back, the snap-back rims that permitted the “dunk,” and the short skirt backboard. His book on the Triangle Offense is in its third printing and has been published in several foreign languages. It is considered one of the best books on the strategy of the game. Coaches on all levels have attended his seminars and viewed his videos, and come to him for advice and mentoring. His influence on the game and its future has been immeasurable.
Tex should have a Hall of Fame of his own. He could fill it with letters, testimonials, inventions, and all of his works and speeches. His honors have included Coach of the Year, President of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, recipient of 9 NBA rings, the prestigious John Bunn Award from the Basketball Hall of Fame, the Naismith Award for outstanding contributions, and more – yet those who have known him recall his humility and honesty. He is the personification of good character, and that legacy is perhaps his most important to basketball history.
This story is an account of two of his very early years of coaching: 1957-58 and 1958-59, years that he describes as defining years when he established himself among the top college coaches in the country. He believed those two teams were the best college teams he coached and the most interesting.