Author Don Harrison r this Thursday, Jan. 12 when he will discuss and authograph copies of his new book, Hoops in Connecticut: The Nutmeg State's Passion for Basketball, at the Hagaman Memorial Library, 227 Main Street, starting at 7 p.m.
Two prominent figures, legendary coach Frank Crisafi and the late Ralph Paolillo, a two-time All-State player, are an integral part of Harrison's book.
The author and Paolillo were friends and classmates from fourth grade at the old Union School through middle school and high school, graduating with the Class of 1957.
They even shared homeroom 306, where a bespectacled teacher named Edward Levy, who bore a resemblance to Superman's alter ego, Clark Kent, reigned.
Hoops in Connecticut contains interviews with, and tributes to, many of the state's greatest players, from Naismith Memorial Hall-of-Famer Calvin Murphy to several other former NBA stars -- the late Super John Williamson of New Haven, Vin Baker, Johnny Egan, Charles Smith, John Bagley and Wes Matthews; from former Harlem Globetrotter Alvin Clinkscales to the inimitable Frank "Porky" Vieira and Paolillo.
Crisafi, who still lives in town, and several other prominent coaches, including Bob Saulsbury, the late Red Verderame, Joe Vancisin, Dee Rowe and the late Fred Barakat, are also covered.
For information and reservations, contact Cynthia Gwiazda at cgwiazda@biblio.org or call (203) 468-3891.
