SPRINGFIELD, MASS. – The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame grieves the passing and honors the life of a great contributor and basketball pioneer, Earl Lloyd.
“Mr. Lloyd was a true gentlemen of the game who humbly gave credit to others for his achievements and strongly lead with a quiet, yet powerful demeanor. As the first African American to play in the NBA, he paved the way for countless young men,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “He exhibited great perseverance during tough racial times, always representing the game with the highest level of dignity and class. His impact on the game as a trailblazing player and coach is immeasurable and he will truly be missed.”
Earl Lloyd was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003 as a contributor to the game. He was a standout player at West Virginia State before being drafted to the NBA’s Washington Capitols in 1950. There were four African Americans drafted that year, but based on the season opener schedule, Lloyd was the first to play. He played in the NBA for 9 seasons, winning a championship with Syracuse Nationals in 1955. Upon retirement, he served as both a scout and coach for the Detroit Pistons. A native of Alexandria, VA, Lloyd was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 1993.
About the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame:
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was invented, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame promotes and preserves the game of basketball at every level – professional, collegiate and high school, for both men and women on the global stage.
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