Charles Scott

A native of New York and a veteran of famed Rucker Park, Charlie Scott enjoyed a long career in professional basketball, his playing days straddling the early years of the upstart ABA and the longstanding NBA. Scott was a trailblazer for the basketball program at the University of North Carolina becoming the first African-American student-athlete to receive a scholarship to the school. A USBWA First Team All-America selection in 1969 and 1970, Scott is one of two Tar Heels to score 2,000 or more points in just three seasons. He averaged 22.1 points and 7.1 rebounds in 91 collegiate games without the benefit of the three-point line. Prior to entering the professional ranks, Scott played a key role in helping the United States win the gold medal at the 1968 Olympics. The 1971 ABA Rookie of the Year played for the Virginia Squires for two seasons, averaging more than 30 points per game. During a productive eight years in the NBA, Scott played for the Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, and Denver Nuggets. The three-time NBA All-Star helped the Boston Celtics win the 1976 NBA championship.