UNFORGETTABLE
KNIGHTS
A Player's Account of the Legendary Rutgers Final Four Season
The untold story of college basketball's perfect season that captivated America
"An inspiring tale of unity, excellence, and determination."
—Jerry Izenberg
26 WINS. 0 LOSSES.
ONE UNFORGETTABLE SEASON.
In 1976, twelve young men from Rutgers University did the impossible. In an era of social upheaval and change, a group of twelve individuals with diverse backgrounds united to create one of college basketball's most remarkable stories.
Playing in their iconic gym nicknamed "The Barn," where paint chips fell from the ceiling due to deafening crowds, this team dominated every opponent they faced. Led by All-American Phil Sellers and featuring future NBA stars, the Scarlet Knights showed America what was possible when talent, unity, and determination came together.
This is more than a basketball story. This is a testament to breaking barriers, defying odds, and making history.
INSIDE THE PAGES
The complete story of the perfect 26–0 regular season
Behind-the-scenes accounts from players and coaches
Never-before-shared stories from "The Barn"
How issues of race brought the team together
Over fifty historical photographs
Personal narratives from every team member
The historic NCAA Tournament run
Foreword by legendary sportswriter Jerry Izenberg
"The team was comprised of simply unforgettable players."
—Bill Raftery, CBS Sports
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jeff Kleinbaum wasn't just an observer—he lived this remarkable season as a member of the Unforgettable Knights. Together with acclaimed sportswriter Tom Luicci, he brings readers inside the locker room, onto the court, and into the moments that defined this historic team.
As a player-turned-author, Jeff provides an intimate perspective on one of college basketball's most extraordinary achievements, sharing not just the games but the brotherhood that made it all possible.
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"A great era of Rutgers basketball is described in brilliant detail."
—Dick Vitale, ESPN Sports
TESTIMONIALS
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Dick Vitale
Former Rutgers coach, longtime iconic commentator for ESPN Sports
A great era of Rutgers basketball is described in detail by former Rutgers player Jeff Kleinbaum. He had firsthand experience of this incredible year of Scarlet Knights basketball. It was “Hoops Hysteria” on the campus of Rutgers University.
The team featured a dynamic duo in Phil Sellers and Mike Dabney and they all were so dominant they had the Metropolitan area of New York/ New Jersey going wild!
Jeff captured the feeling by sharing his insights.
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Bill Raftery
Former Seton Hall coach, longtime iconic commentator for CBS Sports
During the 1970s, I was fortunate to witness the incredible growth of the Rutgers men’s basketball program. Coach Tom Young put together an array of talented athletes who cruised through an undefeated regular season all the way to the Final Four.
The team was composed of mostly metropolitan players.
All of us who coached against this powerful team knew how deep and talented they were.
They gave us a sense of pride in our state university team that still resonates.
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Ed Jordan
Former Rutgers player and coach, longtime player and coach in the NBA
My teammate Jeff Kleinbaum poured his heart and soul into this book and gave us an honorable and authentic account of the Rutgers Final Four team of 1976. This is a must-read for basketball fans and curious minds who want to experience the euphoria of a thrilling, fast-paced journey on and off the court.
Our Final Four team captured the nation's attention and secured our place in history. For me personally, it ranks as my proudest and most emotional achievement, more than winning an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1982 and coaching in the NBA for twenty-plus years.
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John Harper
SNY-TV and longtime NY/NJ sports columnist
Having coached high school basketball for ten years with Jeff (and saved him from numerous technicals), I'm thrilled that he's sharing the riveting, poignant, and even hilarious tales I heard over the years about the fabled Final Four Rutgers team of 1975–76. This book brings to life that unforgettable season and is a must-read as an underdog story for the ages.
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