MONROE, La. (KNOE) - On Oct. 31, 1950, Earl Lloyd became the first African American to play in an NBA game.
Lloyd was a forward with the Washington Capitols.
He had been an All-American at West Virginia State University.
Lloyd’s grace, style and professionalism on and off the court paved the way for those who followed.
He was also the first Black assistant coach and the second Black head coach in the NBA.
Earl Lloyd was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003.
_Copyright 2025 KNOE. All rights reserved._