Syracuse, NY – As a longtime educator, principal and coach, Manny Breland has made an impact on the lives of those he has taught, coached and mentored.
As the first black player to earn a basketball scholarship to Syracuse University, where he played from 1952 to 1957, Breland paved the way for Dave Bing, Dennis DuVal and many others to follow in his footsteps. .
The Syracuse native moved from Central Tech to Syracuse University where, as a senior, he helped the 1957 team win the first NCAA tournament bid in school history.
Breland died on Saturday at the age of 87.
Several of those whose lives he touched offered their memories of him:
DENNIS DUVAL, former SU player
“For me, he was always the pioneer. He allowed me, Dave Bing and others to come to Syracuse. He was the first African American to come to Syracuse on a basketball scholarship. He was the patriarch of the system and I have always respected that.
“We were well aware culturally of the sacrifices he had to make. Being the first is not easy. It’s never easy and there is always a sacrifice to be made to represent your culture. Manny was remarkable for representing our culture in a positive way. ”
HOWARD CHEATS, native of Syracuse and former SU player
“I remember him at the round tables when I was in Syracuse. They had former players, both basketball and football, and they had conversations with current players about their experiences in school. During these roundtables, I began to understand the importance of when he was in the League.
“Last year, just before the pandemic, we organized a roundtable for the city’s school basketball teams, boys and girls. We met at Fowler where he had been the principal. He asked a group of people from the Syracuse area to come and talk to the children.
“Its heritage is to seek out young minds and try to point them in the right direction. He did it as an educator and until his death. ”
BILLY MCBRIDE, performed for Breland at Central High School
“When I think back to him and his great career, it’s amazing the number of people he had to impact. This is particularly the case for me.
“He wasn’t a loud man. He was a strong, silent presence. He did not mention his place in the history of Syracuse. He didn’t post it. This is her beauty. He taught by example. His presence as an assistant manager and basketball coach – he had that personality, that leadership ability, and that mentor ability. When you heard about his other accomplishments, you realized how great a man he was. ”
SAM PENCEAL, former SU player
“He was one of the first guys I met when I got to Syracuse. He was one of those guys who took everyone under his wing; at least he did it with me. mentor. He knew how difficult it was to survive in Syracuse at that time and how lonely it could be. He was a great comfort to those of us who were going through the things we do, those of us who didn’t. didn’t see people who looked like us very often.
“He always had a big smile and was full of laughs.
JIM SATALIN, native of Syracuse who played in Saint-Bonaventure
“He was a great guy. There came a time when Jimmy Brown and all these guys were playing soccer and he came over to play basketball. He was a true gentleman. He loved Syracuse and everything about it. ”
LAZARUS SIMS, native of Syracuse and former SU player
“Sir. Breland’s insight helped me get through a difficult first time as an Orangeman. His guidance and presence meant so much. I felt it. He was a pioneer for Syracuse, both in the downtown and beyond. His impact can never be matched. I thank him and hope others will come to Syracuse and learn about his history. ”
JIM BOEHEIM, Syracuse coach and former player
“He was a pioneer and above all was a great educator in the city’s school system. He was there from the very start and was a great leader. ”
