Earl Lloyd

Earl Lloyd was an American professional basketball player and coach who made history as the first African American to play in the National Basketball Association. He has played for the Washington Capitols, Syracuse Nationals and the Detroit Pistons. He had a successful nine-year career in the league and later became the first African American assistant coach in the NBA.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Earl Francis Lloyd was born on April 3, 1928, in Alexandria, Virginia, United States of America. He stood 196 cm tall and his playing weight was listed at 90 kg. Lloyd played primarily as a small forward.

Lloyd was married to Charlita, and they had three sons and four grandchildren. He spent his later years in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, near Crossville, where he lived until his passing on February 26, 2015.

Throughout his life, Lloyd continued to make significant contributions to his community and left a lasting impact on future generations.

High School and College Career

Lloyd attended Parker-Gray High School in Alexandria, Virginia. He then played college basketball for West Virginia State University from 1946 to 1950.

Professional Career

Lloyd was selected by the Washington Capitols with the 100th overall pick in the 9th round of the 1950 NBA Draft.

On October 31, 1950, he became the first African American to play in an NBA game. Lloyd played in seven games for the Capitols before the team folded in January 1951.

After serving in the U.S. Army, Lloyd joined the Syracuse Nationals in 1952.

He spent six seasons with the Nationals, winning an NBA championship in 1955. Lloyd finished his career with two seasons on the Detroit Pistons.

In 1968, Lloyd became the first African American assistant coach in the NBA with the Detroit Pistons. He was promoted to head coach during the 1971-72 season, making him the fourth African American head coach in NBA history.

After his basketball career, Lloyd dedicated himself to community service and education. In the 1970s and 1980s, he worked as a job placement administrator for Detroit public schools and ran programs teaching job skills to underprivileged children.

Later, in the 1990s, Lloyd served as Community Relations Director for the Bing Group, a Detroit manufacturing company.

Career Highlights

• 1955 - NBA champion
• CIAA Player of the Decade for the 1940s
• NAIA Silver and Golden Anniversary Teams

NBA Career Statistics

• Points: 4,682 (8.4 ppg)
• Rebounds: 3,609 (6.4 rpg)
• Assists: 810 (1.4 apg)