Cooper, Chuck
1926-1984 · Contribution: 1950
First African American drafted into the NBA
Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.
Impact on the world
Became the first African American drafted into the NBA when the Boston Celtics selected him 13th overall in 1950, going on to a successful NBA career and later induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Life & background
A star player at Duquesne University and member of the Harlem Globetrotters, Cooper became the first African American drafted into the NBA when the Boston Celtics selected him with the 13th overall pick in 1950. He faced segregation in travel and accommodations throughout his career despite his on-court success, and was later inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Sources
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame; NBA
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