Bill Blakeley
A fiery Texas basketball lifer who brought swagger and national attention to a small college program.
1934–2010 (age 76)·American basketball coach·Birthday: June 13·The Silent Generation
Biography
Bill Blakeley coached with a showman's flair and a drill sergeant's intensity, a combination that made him a magnetic figure on the Texas sports scene. After cutting his teeth as a successful high school coach, he took over a struggling University of Texas at Arlington program and transformed it almost overnight. Blakeley didn't just build a team; he created an event, packing the gym with raucous crowds drawn to his fast-breaking, high-scoring style and his own animated sideline presence. He led UTA to its first national ranking and NCAA tournament appearance, putting the school on the map. His path later included a stint with the Dallas Mavericks in the ABA, where his passionate approach remained his signature. Blakeley's legacy is that of a charismatic builder who proved a coach's personality could be as vital as his playbook in generating excitement and success.
The Silent Generation
1928–1945
Born between the Depression and the end of WWII. Too young to fight, old enough to remember. They became the conformist middle managers of the 1950s — and the civil rights leaders who quietly dismantled Jim Crow.
Bill was born in 1934, placing them squarely in The Silent Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Bill Was Born
The biggest hits of 1934
#1 Movie
It Happened One Night
Best Picture
It Happened One Night
Bill's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1934Born
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stars Fell on Alabama" — Jack TeagardenBest Picture: It Happened One Night
1939Started school
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1947Became a teenager
India gains independence; the Dead Sea Scrolls found
Gas: $0.23/galHome: $6,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Near You" — Francis CraigBest Picture: Gentleman's Agreement
1950Could drive
Korean War begins
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,354Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Goodnight Irene" — Gordon Jenkins & The WeaversBest Picture: All About Eve
1952Could vote
Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,350Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Blue Tango" — Leroy AndersonBest Picture: The Greatest Show on Earth
1955Turned 21
Rosa Parks refuses to give up her bus seat
Gas: $0.29/galHome: $9,550Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Rock Around the Clock" — Bill Haley & His CometsBest Picture: Marty
1964Turned 30
Civil Rights Act signed; Beatles arrive in America
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $13,450Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"I Want to Hold Your Hand" — The BeatlesBest Picture: My Fair Lady
1974Turned 40
Nixon resigns the presidency
Gas: $0.53/galHome: $22,600Min wage: $2.00/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"The Way We Were" — Barbra StreisandBest Picture: The Godfather Part II
1984Turned 50
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1994Turned 60
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2004Turned 70
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2010Died at 76
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
Key Achievements
- Led the University of Texas at Arlington to its first-ever NCAA tournament appearance in 1981.
- Guided UTA to a national ranking during the 1980-81 season, a first for the program.
- Coached the Dallas Mavericks during their inaugural season in the American Basketball Association (ABA).
- Built a dominant high school basketball program at Fort Worth Dunbar before moving to the college level.
Did You Know?
He was known for his signature look, which often included a stylish hat and a cigar.
He once had his team practice at 3 a.m. to avoid the Texas heat.
Blakeley was a close friend of football coach Barry Switzer.
His son, Billy Blakeley Jr., also became a basketball coach.
“Defense is not a system, it's a state of mind—a relentless, angry state of mind.”
