The NBA says goodbye to a barrier-breaker

Earl Lloyd, the visionary, barrier-breaker and overall NBA pioneer has unfortunately passed away Thursday at the age of 86. Raised in Alexandria, Virginia , Lloyd played his collegiate ball at West Virginia State at which he was CIAA All-America Team and three-time all-conference selection.

He later went on to become, the first African American to play in the NBA, debuting in 1950 for the Washington Capitals. In a statement by West Virginia State’s president Brian Hemphill on the incredible feat:

“When Earl stepped out on the court on that fateful date in 1950, this remarkable man rightfully earned his place in the historic civil rights movement and, more important, he opened the door to equality in America.”

The night Earl Lloyd broke the color barrier in the league, he helped his Capitols beat the Rochester Royals 78-70 and notched six points while grabbing a game-high 10 rebounds. According to the Detroit Free Press in a statement, Earl recalls the moment:

“When you’re treated as a fourth-class citizen your whole life, it’s been drilled in that you’re inferior. But I had a great revelation: We all put our pants on the same way, and I proved that I belonged.”

Earl Lloyd obviously broke the color barrier, but more importantly, created the vision and inspiration for African Americans everywhere that had the dream of not only playing in the league but becoming a trailblazer in America. The legacy he left has helped integrate races of all kind, but more so, shown that the good character of a person is skin deep.

Lloyd played nine years in the league from 1950 to 1960 and appeared in 560 games, averaging 8.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists and won a NBA title with the Syracuse Nationals during their 1954-1955 campaign.

Talk sports, hip hop and Earl “The Big Cat” Lloyd’s biggest moments with Drew on twitter @AndrewSomuah