BLOOMINGTON – Bill Garrett, the first African-American basketball player in the Big Ten, was honored Saturday with the dedication of an Indiana historical marker.
By suiting up for Branch McCracken’s Hoosiers in 1948, Garrett broke an unwritten rule known as the ‘gentlemen’s agreement,’ which barred Big Ten schools from rostering black players.
“This was a great occasion that should have been done long before (today),” said Marvin Christie, who played with Garrett during the 1949-50 season. “I’m glad they finally recognized what a wonderful guy he was.”
The unveiling of the historical marker was preceded by a ceremony in the Indiana Memorial Union.