It was 1970. Doug Collins, Illinois State University's most decorated alumnus, had just finished a very successful freshman year at Illinois State University. Then came news that saddened the talented 19-year-old. His basketball coach was leaving. Jim Collie had contracted multiple sclerosis. Collie's coaching career was over.
Redbird Athletic Director Milt Weisbecker was charged with the task of hiring a new coach. After considering several candidates, Weisbecker made a decision that would raise eyebrows throughout central Illinois and the national college basketball fraternity. His historical decision created controversy. But most of all it was courageous. Weisbecker hired a black man as Collie's successor, the first African-American to become a Division I head basketball coach.