Episode XL: Basketball Hall of Famer Spencer Haywood

The 40th edition of Whe're They At features Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and pioneer, Spencer Haywood. He was born and raised in poverty in Silver City, Mississippi and moved to Detroit, Michigan during his teenage years to become a star prep player. He won the Olympic gold medal in 1968 as part of the USA Men's Basketball team, while breaking US individual records in Points, Rebounds and Blocks. He became an All-American starring at the University of Detroit and dominating the American Basketball Association (ABA) becoming the Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in 1970. He won a landmark Supreme Court case in 1971, allowing him to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA) without having to wait four years after high school. The 'Spencer Haywood Rule' has helped many young basketball prospects pursue early entry into the NBA. He was a 4-time NBA All-Star, 4-time All-NBA team member and NBA champion (w/1979-80 Los Angeles Lakers). Spencer was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015. Now, he has done remarkable work through his Spencer Haywood Foundation and with the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA). A Jazz music aficionado, he is an on-air host on SiriusXM Real Jazz. Here is his website: https://spencerhaywoodrule.com/. Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with Spencer on a myriad of topics including:                 

03:19-Discusses contracting Covid-19 recently.                         05:44-On the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) helping the National Basketball Retired Players Association obtain elite health insurance (NBRPA).                           08:05-Reflects on how therapy transformed his life.                    09:19-Reminisces on growing up picking cotton in Silver City, Mississippi.                         13:02-On how he was able to gain his basketball skillset through picking cotton.                  18:27-Tells a funny story of an experience involving fellow future NBA player, Sam Lacey during high school.                   20:47-On why he needed to leave the racist environment of Silver City, moving up north to Detroit, Michigan.                     24:43-Excelling at basketball in Detroit while acquiring a love for Jazz music.                   27:55-Spencer almost became the first Black player in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).                    30:20-On receiving the opportunity to participate in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City and being around the historic boycotts surrounding the games.                       37:45-Reflects on the iconic protest by Dr. John Carlos (guest on Episode #33 of Whe're They At) and Dr. Tommie Smith on the medal stand.                       39:37-Remembers George Foreman's (guest on Episode #8 of Whe're They At) memorable accomplishment winning the Gold medal.                         41:20-On him setting individual records and winning the Gold Medal with USA Basketball.                                      45:28-His career flourished becoming an All-American representing the University of Detroit and dominating the American Basketball Association (ABA) in his rookie year AT AGE 20.                     48:06-On experiencing a rude awakening with his ABA team, Denver Rockets.                     49:33-Reflects on his landmark Supreme Court case to join the NBA as an upperclassmen, not having to wait four years after high school.                      56:35-On why it is important for the NBA and NBPA to change the early entry ruling to the 'Spencer Haywood Rule'.                    58:30-Which current players have acknowledged him for his historic Supreme Court victory?                  1:02:53-Reflects on how his representation ruined an opportunity for him to have a 10% stake in Nike nearly 50 years ago.                       1:04:55-On his affinity and involvement within the Jazz music scene during his playing days.