Earl Francis Lloyd (April 3, 1928 – February 26, 2015)
A Trailblazing Basketball Icon
Early Life:
- Earl Lloyd was born on April 3, 1928, in Alexandria, Virginia, to parents Theodore Lloyd, Sr. and Daisy Lloyd.
- Despite attending a segregated school, Lloyd’s remarkable high school basketball talent earned him recognition with three All-South Atlantic Conference and two All-State Virginia Interscholastic Conference honors.
- Grateful for the support of his family and educators during challenging times, Lloyd persevered and achieved success beyond school.
College Career:
- Earl Lloyd played college basketball at West Virginia State University, where he earned the nickname “Moon Fixer” due to his imposing size and defensive prowess.
- Lloyd’s impact was profound as he led West Virginia State to consecutive Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Conference and Tournament Championships in 1948 and 1949.
- During his college years, he was named All-Conference three times (1948–50) and was twice honored as an All-American by the Pittsburgh Courier (1949–50).
- In the 1947–48 season, Lloyd and his team achieved a rare feat, finishing the season as the only undefeated team in the United States with a remarkable 30–0 record.
- Lloyd graduated from West Virginia State University with a B.S. degree in physical education in 1950.
NBA Career:
- Earl Lloyd was drafted by the Washington Capitols in the 9th round with pick #100 in the 1950 NBA draft.
- Nicknamed “The Big Cat,” Lloyd was one of three black players who entered the NBA simultaneously, marking a historic moment in the league’s history.
- On October 31, 1950, Lloyd made history by becoming the first African American to play in an NBA game, scoring six points for the Washington Capitols.
- Lloyd’s NBA journey spanned over 560 games during nine seasons, including stints with the Syracuse Nationals and the Detroit Pistons.
- He overcame adversity, including serving in the Korean War, and led the NBA in personal fouls and disqualifications during the 1953–54 season.
- In the 1954-1955 season, he achieved career highs, averaging 10.2 points and 7.7 rebounds, and helped the Syracuse Nationals win the 1955 NBA Championship alongside Jim Tucker, making them the first African Americans on an NBA championship team.
- Despite facing racism from fans, Lloyd’s determination and resilience drove him to excel in the sport he loved.
Coaching and Scouting Career:
- Earl Lloyd made significant contributions to the Detroit Pistons both as a head coach and a scout.
- In 1971–72, he became the third African American head coach in NBA history, following John McLendon and Bill Russell.
- Lloyd worked as an assistant coach and scout, helping discover talented players such as Bailey Howell, Willis Reed, Earl Monroe, Ray Scott, and Wally Jones.
Life After Basketball:
- After his basketball career, Lloyd worked as a job placement administrator for the Detroit public school system during the 1970s and 1980s.
- He also served as the Community Relations Director for the Bing Group, a Detroit manufacturing company, during the 1990s.
- Earl Lloyd received heartfelt recognition from a young African American player, acknowledging his role in opening doors for future generations of black players.
Honors and Legacy:
- Earl Lloyd received numerous honors throughout his life, including inductions into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame (1993) and the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Hall of Fame (1998).
- Virginia’s Governor declared February 9, 2001, as “Earl Lloyd Day.”
- In 2003, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor.
- Lloyd’s legacy lives on through various honors, including the naming of a basketball court at T. C. Williams High School in his hometown of Alexandria, Virginia, in 2007.
- He co-authored his biography, “Moonfixer: The Basketball Journey of Earl Lloyd,” in 2009.
- In 2012, Lloyd was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2014, a statue was unveiled in his honor at West Virginia State University.
- In 2015, he was recognized in the Library of Virginia’s “Strong Men & Women in Virginia History” for his significant contributions to basketball.
- His impact even extended to street names, with “Earl Lloyd Way” being designated in both Syracuse and West Virginia State University.
Earl Lloyd’s life and career serve as an enduring testament to his pioneering spirit and contributions to the world of basketball and beyond.