Nevil Shed facts for kids
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Personal information | |
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Born | Bronx, New York, U.S. |
April 26, 1943
High school | Morris (Bronx, New York) |
Listed height | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) |
Career information | |
College | UTEP (1964–1967) |
NBA Draft | 1967 / Round: 4 / Pick: 40th overall |
Selected by the Boston Celtics | |
Career highlights and awards | |
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Nevil Shed, born on April 26, 1943, is a former American basketball player. He is famous for being part of a history-making college team. He played for the Texas Western Miners, who are now known as the University of Texas at El Paso.
In 1966, his team won the national championship. This was a huge moment in sports history. The Miners were the first team ever to start a championship game with an all-African American lineup. Nevil Shed's basketball nickname was "The Shadow."
A Champion's Journey
Nevil Shed went to Morris High School in New York. After high school, he joined the Texas Western Miners basketball team. The team was coached by Don Haskins.
The 1966 championship game was against the top-ranked Kentucky Wildcats. The Miners' victory was a big step forward for equality in sports. It showed that talent matters more than anything else.
The "Glory Road" Story
The amazing story of the 1966 Texas Western Miners was made into a movie. It's called Glory Road, and it came out in 2006. This Disney film shows the team's journey to the championship. In the movie, Nevil Shed is played by actor Al Shearer.
The film highlights the challenges and triumphs of the team. It shares their important message of teamwork and breaking barriers.
Life After Playing
After his college career, Nevil Shed was drafted by two professional teams. The Boston Celtics picked him in the 1967 NBA draft. The Denver Rockets also drafted him for the American Basketball Association.
Sadly, his playing career ended early. He suffered a serious leg injury during a training camp game. Because of this injury, he never got to play in the NBA or other professional leagues.
Inspiring Others
Even though his playing career was cut short, Nevil Shed stayed involved in basketball. He became an assistant coach for his former coach, Don Haskins, at Texas Western.
Today, Nevil Shed works for the San Antonio Spurs. He is the director of their summer training camp. He helps young players learn and grow. He also works as a motivational speaker. He shares his life story to inspire others. He lives in the San Antonio, Texas, area.