Hardwood Journey - History of UNI Basketball

Dr. James Kelly has compiled the history and stories from the beginning of basketball at the University of Northern Iowa until present day Panther hoops with his newest book entitled "Hardwood Journey" – a history of UNI basketball.

This in-depth look at Panther basketball will provide any fan of UNI and the sport of basketball a must-have in their literary collection. Kelly began his quest to compile the history of UNI men's basketball in his previous book "Tutors to Panthers" – a brief history of UNI Athletics.

"Hardwood Journey" will be available for pre-sale beginning Feb. 13 for $20. The first 500 books purchased will receive a complimentary copy of "Tutors to Panthers". The cost of the book has been underwritten so 100 percent of the sales will go toward UNI men's basketball.

To purchase a copy click HERE.

Relive the thrills of the 1960s as Stormin' Norman Stewart led the Panthers to the NCAA Division II playoffs in 1962 with Pete Spoden and in 1964 with Duane Josephson and Craig Kneppe.

Take a step back and remember when Jim Berry took over the program and helped the squad to the 1979 NCAA Division II playoffs. Dive in and discover the transition from Division II to Division I in the 1980-81 season as Berry led the Panthers on a new era of basketball.

No one can forget the memorable run by the 1989-90 Panther men's basketball squad and Kelly takes you back through that season. From the three-game run in the Mid-Continent Tournament that had the Panthers riding a roller coaster of emotion, to the first NCAA Tournament appearance and win over Norm Stewart's Missouri Tigers in Richmond, Virginia., Kelly will have you mesmerized with tales and stories from the participants.

Fast forward to the Greg McDermott era as Kelly weaves you through the Panthers climb from the depths of the Missouri Valley Conference to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

A history of Panther basketball wouldn't be complete without a piece on the Sweet 16 run of 2009-10 team and that magical ride as darlings on the national stage.

Kelly wraps up his story with the latest Panther appearances in the 2015 and 2016 NCAA Tournaments as he shares the stories of Arch Madness and March Madness heroes in Seth Tuttle, Wes Washpun and Paul Jesperson.

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