A New Chronicle of Princeton Basketball
Tom Chestnut, a 1970 graduate of Princeton, has released a comprehensive volume titled *Princeton Basketball: A Tradition of Excellence*. The 253‑page work, published in May, offers an era‑by‑era narrative that weaves together the men’s and women’s programs, from the early days of the sport on campus to the modern era under current head coach Mitch Henderson.
The book draws on the insights of several veteran voices, including former NBA star Bill Bradley, longtime coach Pete Carril, and the late journalist Grant Wahl. Over 350 photographs accompany the text, providing visual context to stories contributed by writers such as Sean Gregory and Jerry Price. Chestnut originally envisioned a magazine feature, but the project grew into a full‑length manuscript after editors rejected the length.
Inside the Book
Divided into six sections — *Beginnings*, *The Rise of Princeton Basketball*, *Enter Pete Carril*, *We Got Next*, *The Women Got Game*, and *Life After Princeton* — the volume moves chronologically while highlighting pivotal moments and figures. An appendix lists records, statistics and awards for both the men’s and women’s teams, serving as a reference for enthusiasts.
Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber, Bill Bradley and John McPhee, who penned the foreword *A Sense of Where You Are*, provide introductory remarks that underscore the cultural significance of the sport at the university. Former head coach Mitch Henderson praised the book for its humility and attention to detail, noting that it will be a valuable resource for players, alumni and fans alike.
Copies were distributed at the recent Princeton Reunions, where they were met with enthusiasm from the basketball community. Chestnut’s aim was to preserve the Tigers’ heritage in a coffee‑table format, allowing readers to explore distinct eras independently and keep the story alive for future generations.