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Basketball pioneer Lusia Harris passed away on Tuesday. The cause of her death is still unknown. She was 66 years old.
Harris remains the only woman to be drafted in the NBA. She was selected by the New Orleans Jazz in the seventh round of the 1977 NBA Draft. She, however, turned down the chance to suit up for the Jazz after getting pregnant.
Harris' family issued a statement shortly after her death (via ESPN).
“We are deeply saddened to share the news that our angel, matriarch, sister, mother, grandmother, Olympic medalist, The Queen of Basketball, Lusia Harris has passed away unexpectedly today in Mississippi. The recent months brought Ms. Harris great joy, including the news of the upcoming wedding of her youngest son and the outpouring of recognition received by a recent documentary that brought worldwide attention to her story.”
In 1992, Harris also made history by becoming the first Black woman to be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. She garnered national attention in the 70s after leading erstwhile unknown Delta State to three straight national championships from 1975 to 1977.
Another distinction she holds is being the first player to score a basket in the history of women's basketball in the Summer Games, accomplishing the feat during the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
After missing out on the NBA, Harris had a brief stint in the Women's Professional Basketball League in 1979-80.
