Syracuse, N.Y. – As a lifelong educator, a principal and a coach, Manny Breland impacted the lives of those he 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 the likes of Dave Bing, Dennis DuVal and many others to follow in his footsteps.
The Syracuse native went from Central Tech to Syracuse University where, as a senior, he helped the 1957 team earn 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 remembrances of him:
DENNIS DUVAL, former SU player
“For me, he was always the pioneer. He allowed me and 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 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’s always a sacrifice that you have to make to represent your culture. Manny was outstanding at representing our culture in a positive way.’’
HOWARD TRICHE, Syracuse native and former SU player
“I remember him from roundtables when I was at Syracuse. They had former players, both basketball and football, and they’d have conversations with current players about their experiences at the school. In those roundtables, I began to understand the importance of when he was at SU.
“Last year, right before the pandemic, we did roundtable for the city schools’ basketball teams, both boys and girls. We met at Fowler where he had been the principal. He got a bunch of Syracuse area individuals to come talk to the kids.
“His legacy is looking out for young minds and trying to steer them in the right direction. He did as an educator and up until the time he passed away.’’
BILLY MCBRIDE, played for Breland at Central High School
“When I look back at him and his beautiful journey, it’s amazing how many people he must have impacted. It’s especially so for me.
“He wasn’t a loud man. He was a strong, quiet presence. He didn’t mention his place in Syracuse history. He didn’t flaunt that. That’s the beauty of him. He taught by example. His presence as a vice principal and a basketball coach -- he had this persona and leadership ability and mentor ability. When you learned about those other accomplishments of his, you realized what a great man he was.’’
SAM PENCEAL, former SU player
“He was one of the first guys I met when I came to Syracuse. He was one of those guys who took everybody under his wing; at least he did with me. He was a mentor. He knew how difficult it was surviving up in Syracuse in those days and how lonely it could be. He provided a lot of comfort for those of us going through the things that we do, those of us who didn’t see people who looked like us very often.
“He always had a great big smile and was full of laughter.’’
JIM SATALIN, Syracuse native who played at St. Bonaventure
“He was a wonderful guy. He came in at a time when Jimmy Brown and all those guys were playing football and he came in to play basketball. He was a real gentleman. He loved Syracuse and everything about it.’’
LAZARUS SIMS, Syracuse native and former SU player
“Mr. Breland’s insight helped me get through an early rough time as an Orangeman. His guidance and presence meant so much. I felt it. He was a trailblazer for Syracuse, both the inner-city and beyond. His impact can never be matched. I thank him and I hope others come to Syracuse and learn his story.’’
JIM BOEHEIM, Syracuse coach and former player
“He was a pioneer and he was a great educator above all else in the city school system. He was there from the very beginning and was a great leader.’’
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December 05, 2021 at 07:30PM
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Remembering Syracuse basketball trailblazer Manny Breland: ‘It’s amazing how many people he must have impacte - syracuse.com
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