Glory Road

In 1965, Don Haskins juggles his responsibilities as a high school basketball coach while managing his life with his wife Mary and their three children. Despite his earlier aspirations to play professionally, an injury during college derailed his dreams, setting the stage for his later coaching career.

In 1972, Don Haskins takes on the challenging role of men's basketball coach at Texas Western College. Faced with limited financial resources, he resolves to build a competitive team capable of competing for a national title by prioritizing skill over race.

Due to the college's financial constraints, Don Haskins relocates his family to a cramped room next to the men's dormitory. This substandard living situation reflects the struggles he faces as he attempts to manage both his family life and his responsibilities as a head coach.

Haskins embarks on a quest to discover talented players, attending local high school games to scout potential recruits. However, he encounters obstacles as many top prospects refuse to commit to a program without a history of winning.

In a groundbreaking move, Don decides to focus on underestimated African American athletes, such as Bobby Joe Hill. His decision stirs debate, but he is determined to defy the conventions of college basketball at the time.

As Don recruits players from diverse backgrounds, the final roster emerges with seven African American and five white players. This composition raises eyebrows within the college and reflects the prevailing racial tensions of the era.

To build a disciplined and focused team, Haskins enforces strict training rules, banning distractions. The players, however, begin to feel stifled and resentful towards his demanding coaching style.

As the team begins to enjoy early victories, Don realizes that the traditional gameplay must adapt to maximize his players' unique strengths. This shift introduces a fresh dynamic to college basketball previously unseen.

As the team's success grows, backlash from the community increases, leading to threats against Haskins' family and acts of vandalism targeting the players. This increasing animosity highlights the intense racial climate in college sports.

In a critical moment, player Willie Cager is diagnosed with a heart condition. Haskins faces a heartbreaking decision to bench him despite Cager's eagerness to play, creating tension within the team.

Following a disappointing final game of the regular season, Haskins' team finishes with an impressive 23-1 record. Despite their success, the players lose some of their passion, creating an uncertain atmosphere heading into the NCAA tournament.

In a dramatic double-overtime game, Texas Western triumphs against a strong Kansas team, solidifying their place in the NCAA finals. This victory signifies their resilience and determination against considerable odds.

The Miners advance to face the top-ranked Kentucky Wildcats in the NCAA finals, where legendary coach Adolph Rupp underestimates Haskins' African American team. This matchup symbolizes a pivotal moment in college basketball history.

In a bold and historic move, Haskins announces an all-African American starting lineup for the championship game. This decision is met with skepticism but highlights the progressive shift in basketball during the civil rights era.

Texas Western defeats Kentucky with a final score of 72-65, marking a significant milestone in sports history. This victory not only cements Haskins' legacy but also represents a triumph for racial equality in college basketball.