Branch: The Branch McCracken Story

by Bill Murphy

Many Indiana University fans have heard the name Branch McCracken, after whom the hallowed court at Assembly Hall is named, but how many of them know about the legendary coach himself? Before Tom Crean, before Bob Knight, IU basketball relied on this man to make the school famous for its hoops stars. And boy did he-with two national titles, four Big Ten titles, and numerous other accolades, McCracken defined Hoosier Hysteria for a generation. However, his greatest legacy remains the example of good character he set and the way he touched the lives of everyone around him. Fans remember him as the coach who helped IU break the color barrier in Big Ten basketball, and players remember him as a second father. If, as McCracken once wrote, "A coach is not paid in money or winning teams, but in the men his players become" he was a rich man, indeed. Branch McCracken made Indiana University basketball a force to be reckoned with, and this is his story.

226 pages, Paperback

First published November 12, 2013

About the author

Bill Murphy was born in Cork City Ireland. He began his career in Cork while training with the I.O.R.C and then moved to Dublin where he continued his training with the Focus Theatre . Bill is a very much sought after actor and voice over Artist and has worked in theatre and film all over the world. Based in Dublin and London he has worked with many of our best known actors.

[Source: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0614109/b... (Accessed: 12/07/2022)]

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A detailed account of Coach Branch McCracken’s life and career as a player and coach. Coach McCracken was a relationship builder, and noted as an offensive coach emphasizing the fast pace offense. As an alum of Indiana University, I truly enjoyed reading the era and places he frequented.