Zanzuccki Lecture: The Enduring Impact of Maurice Stokes

Seventy years ago, Maurice Stokes led the Saint Francis men’s basketball team to the Final Four of the 1955 National Invitation Tournament. He was drafted into the National Basketball Association that year and enjoyed three standout professional seasons before an accident cut short his playing career.

Saint Francis Professor of Communications Pat Farabaugh will moderate a conversation on Stokes’ legacy at SFU and in the NBA. Joining him for the discussion will be authors Ty Chapman and John Coy, as well as Jay Twyman. Chapman and Coy are the authors of a new children’s book on Stokes titled "Stokes: The Brief Career of the NBA's First Black Superstar." The book was released last October. 

Twyman is the son of Jack Twyman, Stokes’ close friend. Jack Twyman served as Stokes’ legal guardian following his accident and tirelessly raised money for Maurice’s medical bills.