Kristian Ferrell
Lusia Harris, also known as the Queen of Basketball, was an American professional basketball player. She was born on February 10, 1955, and passed away on January 18, 2022, at the age of 66. Harris was a pioneer of women's basketball and played for Delta State University, leading the team to three consecutive national championships from 1975 to 1977. She also represented the United States in the 1976 Olympics, winning a silver medal. Her achievements were recognized with her induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. Harris's story is featured in the 2021 documentary The Queen of Basketball, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival and won an Academy Award.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Lusia Harris |
| Nickname | Queen of Basketball |
| Date of Birth | February 10, 1955 |
| Date of Death | January 18, 2022 |
| Height | 6-foot-3 |
| Alma Mater | Delta State University |
| Awards | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, Oscar for Best Documentary Short Subject |
| Achievements | First woman to officially be drafted by the NBA, first Black woman inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, led Delta State University to three consecutive national championships in the 1970s, scored the first-ever points in women's Olympic basketball tournament |
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What You'll Learn
Lusia Harris's life and career
Lusia Harris, also known as "Lucy," was an American professional basketball player born on February 10, 1955, in Minter City, Mississippi. She was the tenth of eleven children born to Willie and Ethel Harris, who were sharecroppers. Harris and her five sisters all played basketball, and she honed her skills at Amanda Elzy High School in Greenwood, Mississippi.
Harris was an exceptional player from a young age, winning the Most Valuable Player award three years in a row from 1971 to 1973, serving as team captain, and making the state All-Star team. After graduating high school, Harris attended Delta State University in Mississippi, where she continued her basketball career. In her first year at Delta State, Harris helped the team achieve a 16-2 record, although they did not qualify for the national tournament. However, in the 1974-75 season, Delta State qualified for the national tournament and went on to win the championship game, with Harris scoring 32 points and recording 16 rebounds in the final. This game was nationally televised, marking a significant moment for women's basketball.
Harris went on to lead Delta State to two more national championships in the 1975-76 and 1976-77 seasons, making it three consecutive championships for the team. She was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player in 1977 and was also selected to the All-American first team during Delta State's three winning seasons. In addition to her success at the college level, Harris represented the United States in international competitions. She was a member of the gold medal-winning team at the 1975 Pan American Games and won a silver medal at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, the first time women's basketball was included in the Olympics.
Harris was drafted by the New Orleans Jazz in the seventh round of the 1977 NBA draft, becoming the first woman ever officially drafted by an NBA team. However, she declined to join the team due to pregnancy and family plans. She did play briefly in the Women's Professional Basketball League (WBL) with the Houston Angels in the 1979-80 season. After her basketball career, Harris returned to Delta State to earn a master's degree in education in 1984. She was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, becoming the first Black woman to receive this honour. Harris passed away on January 18, 2022, at the age of 66.
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The 1976 Olympics
Lusia Harris, also known as the "Queen of Basketball," was an American professional basketball player. Harris is considered one of the pioneers of women's basketball. In 1976, women's basketball was included in the Olympic Games for the first time. Harris represented the United States in the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Canada, becoming the first woman to score a basket in the women's Olympic basketball tournament.
The 1976 Summer Olympics marked a significant milestone as it was the first time that women's basketball was included as an official Olympic sport. The tournament was held in Montreal, Canada, and featured teams from various countries competing for the first time on the Olympic stage. The United States, led by Lusia Harris, was one of the favourites entering the tournament. Harris, a dominant centre known for her scoring ability and rebounding, was a key member of the team.
The United States women's basketball team had a strong showing in the 1976 Olympics. They won three games and lost two, finishing with a silver medal. Harris played a crucial role in the team's success, averaging 15.2 points and 7 rebounds per game. She was a consistent scoring threat and a dominant presence on the boards, helping the United States reach the podium.
The impact of the 1976 Olympics extended beyond the basketball court. It represented a significant step forward in the advancement of women's sports and gender equality in athletics. The inclusion of women's basketball in the Olympics sent a powerful message about the value and importance of female athletes and their right to compete at the highest level. The success of the tournament also attracted attention and interest from fans, media, and sponsors, helping to pave the way for the future development and professionalisation of women's basketball.
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The impact of her legacy
Lusia Harris, also known as the "Queen of Basketball", left a lasting impact on the sport and helped pave the way for future generations of women basketball players. Here is an overview of her remarkable legacy:
Breaking Barriers for Women in Basketball
Lusia Harris is considered one of the pioneers of women's basketball. She was the first and only woman ever to be officially drafted by the National Basketball Association (NBA) when she was selected by the New Orleans Jazz in 1977. This groundbreaking achievement broke barriers for women in a male-dominated sport and opened the door for greater female participation in basketball.
Outstanding Collegiate Career
At the collegiate level, Harris dominated the courts and led Delta State University to three consecutive Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) National Championships from 1975 to 1977. Her skill and success helped bring attention to women's college basketball and elevated its profile nationally. Harris's achievements at Delta State demonstrated the potential and appeal of women's basketball, contributing to the growth and recognition of the sport.
International Representation and Olympic Medalist
Lusia Harris represented the United States' national team in international competitions, further solidifying her impact on the global stage. In 1975, she was part of the team that won the gold medal at the Pan American Games. The following year, she made history again as a member of the first-ever US women's basketball team at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, Canada. Harris scored the first-ever points in women's Olympic basketball and helped the US team win the silver medal. Her international accomplishments inspired and encouraged women and girls interested in basketball worldwide.
Induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame
Lusia Harris's remarkable career was recognized with her induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. She became the first Black woman to be enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1992. This honour not only celebrated her achievements but also served as a testament to her impact on the sport, breaking racial barriers and inspiring future generations of athletes.
Documentary Film and Increased Recognition
In recent years, Lusia Harris's story gained renewed attention with the release of the documentary film "The Queen of Basketball" in 2021. Directed by Ben Proudfoot, the film premiered at the Tribeca Festival in New York and won an Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject). The film brought Harris's accomplishments and struggles to a wider audience, sparking conversations about her legacy and why she had not received the recognition she deserved earlier. Thanks to the documentary and support from basketball icons like Shaquille O'Neal and Stephen Curry, Harris's name is becoming more widely known, ensuring her impact continues to be felt and inspiring future generations of athletes.
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The documentary about her
"The Queen of Basketball" is a documentary about the life of Lusia Harris, an American professional basketball player. The film, directed by Ben Proudfoot, premiered at the Tribeca Festival in New York in 2021 and won the Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject).
The documentary sheds light on Harris's journey as a pioneering female basketball player and her impact on the sport. Harris was the first Black woman inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the first female college player enshrined there. She was also the first and only woman officially drafted by the National Basketball Association (NBA) when she was selected by the New Orleans Jazz in 1977.
The film highlights Harris's achievements as a college basketball star, leading Delta State University to three consecutive national championships from 1975 to 1977. It also touches on her international career, representing the United States in the 1976 Olympic Games, the first time women's basketball was included in the Olympics. Harris scored the first-ever points in the women's Olympic basketball tournament and helped her team bring home the silver medal.
"The Queen of Basketball" delves into the challenges Harris faced as a female athlete during a time when women's basketball was not widely recognized. Despite her remarkable accomplishments, Harris's playing career ended after graduation as the WNBA did not exist until much later. The documentary showcases her enduring love for the sport as she returned to Delta State University as the head coach of their women's team.
Through interviews, archival footage, and personal reflections, "The Queen of Basketball" pays tribute to Lusia Harris, celebrating her talent, determination, and groundbreaking contributions to the world of basketball.
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Her induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame
Lusia Harris, also known as the "Queen of Basketball," was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992. She was the first Black woman to receive this honour, and the first female college player to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame. Harris was a pioneer of women's basketball and her induction into the Hall of Fame recognises her significant impact on the sport.
Harris' talent was evident from a young age. She was the fourth of five sisters, and all of her siblings played basketball. In high school, Harris won the Most Valuable Player award three years in a row, served as team captain, and made the state All-Star team. She led her school to the state tournament in Jackson, Mississippi, and scored a school record of 46 points in one game.
Harris went on to play for Delta State University, where she was the only Black player on the team. She led the team to three consecutive Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) National Championships from 1975 to 1977. The 1974-75 season was the only undefeated college basketball season that year, with a 28-0 record. Harris was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, scoring 138 points and 63 rebounds in four games.
On the international stage, Harris represented the United States' national team. She won a gold medal at the 1975 Pan American Games and a silver medal at the 1976 Olympic Games, the first time women's basketball was included in the Olympics. Harris played professional basketball with the Houston Angels of the Women's Professional Basketball League (WBL) and was the first and only woman officially drafted by the National Basketball Association (NBA) when she was selected by the New Orleans Jazz in 1977.
Harris' induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame recognises her groundbreaking achievements in a sport that was largely dominated by men. Her talent, dedication, and success helped pave the way for future generations of women in basketball.
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Frequently asked questions
Lusia Harris was in her prime from 1975 to 1977, during which she led Delta State University to three consecutive national championships.
The Queen of Basketball is a short documentary with a runtime of 25 minutes.
Lusia Harris passed away on January 18, 2022, at the age of 66. It has been approximately half a year since her passing.
