The Segregation
- This is important in history because up until the 1950's basketball was an all white sport and African-Americans weren't allowed to join the NBL or ABA. It was all segregated. The next couple bullet points will be major leaps for the African-American cultre.
- Other black athletes and pioneers were inspired to make a change for equality.
- Up until the the 1949-50 season the NBL and ABA/BAA were segregated. They only had and allowed white players. (top left picture)
- The Africn-Americans made a team they called the Harlem Globtrotters. It was one of many all African-American teams. (top right picture)
- On October 31st, 1950, Earl "Big Cat" Lloyd was the first African-American to play in a NBA game and Charles "Chuck" Cooper was the first African-American to be drafted.
- John McLendon is recognized as the first African-American to coach an all white basketball team.
- Then in the 1949-50 the NBL and BAA/ABA merged to the NBA and allowed blacks to play in NBA.
- Bill Russell was the first Player/Coach to win an NBA Title.