Willie Cager facts for kids
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 24, 1942 The Bronx, New York, U.S. |
| Died | March 19, 2023 (aged 80) El Paso, Texas, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| College | UTEP (1964–1968) |
| NBA Draft | 1968 / Round: 12 / Pick: 151st overall |
| Selected by the Baltimore Bullets | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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William Cager Jr. (born August 24, 1942 – died March 19, 2023) was an American college basketball player. He was a forward for the Texas Western Miners team. This team is now known as the UTEP Miners. Willie Cager was a key player on the 1966 team that won the NCAA Basketball Championship.
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Willie Cager's Basketball Journey
Willie Cager was a talented player known for his skills near the basket. He was often called "Scoops" by his friends and teammates. He grew up in New York City.
Playing for the Texas Western Miners
Cager played college basketball for the Texas Western Miners from 1964 to 1968. His coach was Don Haskins, who is now in the Basketball Hall of Fame. During the 1965–66 season, Cager had a heart murmur, which is a health condition affecting the heart. Because of this, he could only play for short times, usually in four-minute shifts.
The Historic 1966 Championship Game
The 1966 NCAA Championship game was a very important moment in sports history. The Texas Western Miners, with their all-black starting lineup, played against the all-white University of Kentucky team. This game showed that talent and teamwork were more important than race.
In this championship game, Willie Cager scored eight points and grabbed six rebounds. His team won the game, making them national champions!
After College Basketball
After his college career, Willie Cager was chosen by the Baltimore Bullets in the 1968 NBA draft. However, because of his health issues, he never played professional basketball.
Life After Basketball
Willie Cager lived in El Paso, Texas. He had three children: two sons and a daughter. He cared a lot about his community.
Helping Kids Through Sports
In El Paso, Cager worked for the Ysleta Independent School District. He helped coordinate an after-school basketball program. This program gave young people a chance to play sports and learn important life skills.
The Willie Cager Foundation
Willie Cager also started his own charity, called the Willie Cager Foundation. This foundation worked to raise money for building projects in El Paso. He wanted to help improve his community.
Glory Road Film
Forty years after the Texas Western Miners won their championship, a movie was made about their story. The film was called Glory Road. In the movie, actor Damaine Radcliff played the role of Willie Cager.
Community Involvement
Willie Cager was very involved in his community. In 2017, he decided to run for Mayor of El Paso. He wanted to lead his city and make it a better place for everyone.
His Legacy
Willie Cager passed away in El Paso on March 19, 2023, at the age of 80. This date was special because it was the same day his team won the national championship in 1966. Willie Cager is remembered as a talented basketball player and a kind person who worked hard for his community.
Images for kids
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Willie Cager in 1966.
