Earl Lloyd - A CIAA Pioneer to Speak at the Men's Tip-Off Banquet

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association announces Earl Lloyd as the speaker for the Men's Tip-Off Banquet to be held at the North Raleigh Hilton, Raleigh, North Carolina on Tuesday, February 26, 2002 at 6:30pm.

Lloyd, a CIAA and National Pioneer, was the first African-American to break the National Basketball Association's color barrier, by signing with the Washington Caps in 1950. A few days later, fellow CIAA player, Harold Hunter of North Carolina Central University also signed with the NBA.

A CIAA standout with West Virginia State, Lloyd led the Yellow Jackets to the 1950 CIAA Tournament as the Visitation Champions.

Professionally, Lloyd played with the Syracuse Nationals from 1952-58 then he was traded to the Detroit Pistons. The highlight of his career came in the 1954-55 season when he scored 731 points and helped the Nationals to the Eastern Division Championship.

Lloyd was recognized as one of the top defensive players in the NBA. In 1960, Lloyd retired but remained with Detroit as a scout. In 1971, Lloyd became the Head Coach. As proof of his dedication to the organization, he served as Assistant Coach, Scout, Head Coach and Television Analyst for the Detroit Pistons.

In 2000, commemorating the 50th anniversary of African-Americans joining the league, the NBA honored Lloyd, as one the survivors 1950 entry.

The men's tournament begins Wednesday, February 27th at 1pm. Semi-finals are Friday, March 1st commencing at 7pm; finals are at 8 pm on Saturday March 2nd.