Since the Atlantic Coast Conference began, keen rivalries, legendary coaches, gifted players and fervent fans have come to define the league’s basketball history. In this new book, writer J. Samuel Walker traces the dramatic changes on and off the court during the ACC’s rise to a preeminent position in college basketball between 1953 and 1972. As basketball became the ACC’s foremost attraction, administrators sought to field winning teams while preserving academic integrity. The ACC also adapted gradually to changes in the postwar South, including the fight for racial justice during the 1960s. Walker re-creates nail-biting games and bitter recruiting battles, while addressing big, off-court questions the league wrestled with during these two decades. “ACC Basketball” details coaches’ flair and antics and players’ artistry, as well as a major point-shaving scandal and the struggle for conference dominance. Author and historian Walker, an ACC basketball fan for more than 40 years, lives in University Park, Md. Hardcover, 416 pages, $30.

(800) 848-6224

www.uncpress.unc.edu