At USD, he mentored Bernie Bickerstaff, who like Russell and Jones, went on to coach in the NBA. We're your official online reservoir for USF Dons Apparel! What the Athletics and Astros are saying after Houston wins ALDS Game 1, Oakland A’s right where they want to be — as underdogs, San Jose State moved to Humboldt State campus because it needed to practice, coach says, ALDS: A’s lose to Astros in Game 1 as crucial error, bullpen role reversal prove costly, signing Russell and San Francisco’s Jones, a 2007 California Historial Society report. The OFFICIAL Facebook fan page for the University of San Francisco Dons Men's Basketball team With the senior leadership of Russell and Jones, the Dons went 29-0 in 1955-56 to become the first undefeated collegiate champion. Russell was the star of a team that coach Phil Woolpert … Another African American guard, Warren Baxter, came off the bench to spell the starters on the 1954-55 title team. Get the latest news and information for the San Francisco Dons. Gene Brown, one of five African American players on the Dons’ 1955-56 championship team, called his former coach a leader in the civil rights movement because of his willingness to give Black players an opportunity, Woolpert’s son, Phil Jr. said of a talk they had five years ago. Woolpert laid the foundation by signing Russell and San Francisco’s Jones, future NBA stars who did not receive any other scholarship offers. Yetna, Mark Phil Woolpert, who took over for future Cal legend Pete Newell in 1950, chose to reject prevailing American attitudes. Lubin, Mayan Farmer, a 6-7 forward from Richmond, said some fans stood near the floor to mimic organ grinders. Dress yourself in the latest University of San Francisco Apparel featuring licensed USF Dons T-Shirts and Sweatshirts for every fan. But when the coach learned his players couldn’t stay together, Phil Jr. said Woolpert handed the key back and told the mayor to find a place for everyone to sleep or USF would not play. His USF teams — led by local products Bill Russell of Oakland and K.C. San Francisco Dons Schedule 2020-21 2020-21 2019-20 2018-19 2017-18 2016-17 2015-16 2014-15 2013-14 2012-13 2011-12 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08 … Phil Woolpert Jr. said when the school president talked to his father about the alumni reaction to a majority-Black lineup, the coach replied, “I don’t care. The 6-foot-9 center from McClymonds High School, was a shot-blocking, backboard-dominating force. Elliott Almond is a sports reporter for the Bay Area News Group. Dixon, Jarrod “There were a lot of rednecks back then.”. All Rights Reserved. section: | slug: | sport: collegebasketball | route: team_page_home | University of San Francisco Apparel and USF Dons Gear .