Chuck Cooper
Inducted:
2019
Player Stats
6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
208 lb (94 kg)
Born:
September 29, 1926
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died:
February 5, 1984
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Position:
Small forward
Shooting guard
College:
West Virginia State (1944–1945)
Duquesne (1946–1950)
Chuck Cooper (1926–1984) changed the NBA forever when he became the first African-American player ever drafted, selected by the Boston Celtics in 1950. A 6’5” forward from Duquesne University, Cooper was known for his athleticism, smart play, and ability to battle in the paint.
He played six seasons in the NBA, suiting up for the Celtics, Milwaukee Hawks, and Fort Wayne Pistons. While his on-court numbers were modest, his impact was monumental. Cooper faced racism with strength and dignity, becoming a symbol of progress in a newly integrated league. His presence opened the door for generations of Black athletes to follow. After basketball, he earned a master’s degree and worked in education and community development in Pittsburgh.
In 2019, Chuck Cooper was rightfully inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, honoring his legacy as a player and a pioneer.
Cooper's Awards & Honors:
- Consensus second-team All-American (1950)
- 15 retired by Duquesne Dukes
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee (2019)
- First African-American player drafted into the NBA (1950)
- Pittsburgh’s Chuck Cooper Foundation established in his honor
- One of the first three Black players to break the NBA’s color barrier (1950–51)
NBA Teams:
Boston Celtics 1950–1954
Milwaukee / St. Louis Hawks 1954–1956
Fort Wayne Pistons 1956
NBA Draft:
1950: 2nd round, 13th overall pick
Boston Celtics
Number Worn:
11, 15, 6
NBA Stats:
Games Played:
409
Points:
2,725 (6.7 PPG)
Rebounds:
2,431 (5.9 RPG)
Assists:
734 (1.8 APG)
Field Goal %:
34.3%
Free Throw %:
66.9%