John Harding Lucas II
The first African American to earn a spot on the collegiate All-American teams in both sports in 1976.
John Harding Lucas II, born in Durham, North Carolina in 1953, emerged as a pioneering figure in both basketball and tennis. As a student at the University of Maryland, Lucas etched his name in history by becoming the first African American to earn a spot on the collegiate All-American teams in both sports in 1976. His journey into sports excellence began early, as he exhibited exceptional talent in both basketball and tennis during his formative years.
Breaking basketball legend Pete Maravich’s all-time North Carolina high school scoring record, Lucas garnered over 350 college scholarship offers for basketball and tennis. Opting for the University of Maryland, he chose a path that allowed him to excel in both sports, distinguishing himself as the all-time high scorer in the university’s basketball history. Additionally, Lucas displayed his tennis prowess by clinching the Atlantic Coast Conference Singles Championship in 1974 and 1975.
Lucas’s achievements extended to international competition, where he represented the U.S. in basketball. He secured a bronze medal at the FIBA World Basketball Championships in 1974 and a gold medal at the Pan American Games in 1975.
The pivotal moment arrived in 1976 when he was selected in the first round of the NBA draft by the Houston Rockets. Opting for a full-time professional basketball career, Lucas embarked on a remarkable 14-year NBA journey. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the 1986 Houston Rockets team that reached the NBA finals.
Beyond his playing career, Lucas ventured into coaching and management roles, demonstrating his versatility. He served as the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs (1992-1994), vice president, and general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers (1994-1996), assistant coach of the Denver Nuggets (1999-2002), and head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers (2002-2004).
While primarily known for his basketball prowess, Lucas also showcased his tennis skills during the off-seasons of his basketball career. He competed in seven Grand Prix professional tennis tournaments, highlighting his multifaceted abilities.
Moreover, Lucas actively contributed to the world of tennis by serving on the Black Tennis & Sports Foundation Board and coaching prominent players like Steffi Graf and Lori McNeal. His legacy resonates as a trailblazer who excelled in multiple sports disciplines, inspiring future generations.