"Throwback" Jerseys Honor HBCU Players

By Dorian Mills
Black College Wire

North Carolina Central University Hall of Famer Harold Hunter helped lead to victory the basketball team of what was then North Carolina College in the 1950 tournament of the Colored Intercollegiate Athletic Association, the former name of the CIAA.

Hunter, the point guard, was named most outstanding player.

On April 26, 1950, Hunter became the first African American player to sign an NBA contract, though as Ron Thomas writes in his book, "They Cleared the Lane: The NBA's Black Players," he never played in an NBA game—the Washington Capitols cut the 5 foot 9 player in training camp. He eventually was a successful coach, becoming, in 1968, the first African American to coach the U.S. Olympic basketball team.

Hunter's accomplishments, as well as those of other black pioneers in the NBA, are being kept alive by Durham, N.C., native Emmit Gill Jr. through Vintage Sports Apparel.

Vintage Sports Apparel is the designer, producer and distributor of authentic vintage Historically Black College and University basketball and football jerseys.

Its goals are to celebrate heroes such as Hunter and Earl Lloyd, the first African American to play in an NBA game; to serve as inspiration; and to pay tribute to those pioneers' roles in making a way for future NBA players.

“I saw the value in HBCU players and the culture that surrounded them,” said Gill.

VSA is launching a Black College Classics “It’s not just the jersey, it’s the story” Tour.

“Every jersey has a story and I hope that when people wear the jersey they know the story and it becomes a talking point,” said Gill.

The tour started in January at a game between North Carolina A & T State University and Hampton University and continues until end of the CIAA tournament, which begins in Raleigh, N.C., on Feb. 23.

The jerseys range from $100 to $225.

“The unique thing about the tour is that students get $25 off the regular price,” said Gill. “I really want to have an opportunity to help promote black college sports, not just for fashion but to let kids know how important it is.”

By researching HBCU coaches, libraries and teammates, the company was able to make Black College Classic throwback jerseys featuring Hunter, Alvin Attles of North Carolina A&T, Cleo Hill of Winston-Salem Teachers College, Rick Mahorn of Hampton; and the 1955 Howard University basketball team.

The jerseys may be ordered through www.vintagesportsapparel.com or (301) 434-7793.

Dorian Mills, a student at North Carolina Central University, writes for The Campus Echo.

Posted Feb. 16, 2004