Earl Lloyd, the first black player in the NBA, passed away in Crossville, Tennessee on Thursday, February 26, 2015. He was 86. Lloyd’s death was confirmed by his alma mater, West Virginia State, but no cause of death was provided. He is survived by his wife, Charlita, and three sons.
“The NBA family has lost one of its patriarchs,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “Earl Lloyd, the first African-American to play in an NBA game, was as inspirational as he was understated. He was known as a modest gentleman who played the game with skill, class, and pride. His legacy survives in the league he helped integrate, and the entire NBA family will strive to always honor his memory. Our deepest condolences to the Lloyd family.”
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Earl “The Big Cat” Lloyd was born in Alexandria, Virginia. He played college ball for West Virginia State College, where he led his team to two conference and tournament championships. He was selected by the Washington Capitols in the 1950 draft.
On October 31, 1950, Lloyd stepped onto the court as a member of the Washington Capitals. It was the first time the NBA had seen a black player. Others quickly followed him, but Lloyd was the first. He went on to establish a solid career as a player, averaging 8.4 points during 560 regular season games. He won an NBA championship with the Syracuse Nationals in 1955 and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003. He retired in 1960 and went on to serve in the US Army.