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Earl Lloyd, who broke the NBA‘s color barrier by becoming the league’s first Black player, died Thursday (Feb. 27). The trailblazing basketball pioneer was one of four men who ushered in a new age of diversity for the sport.

Lloyd, born April 3, 1928 in Alexandria, Va., first starred at West Virginia State University, which confirmed Lloyd’s passing but did not provide additional details. Lloyd made his pro debut in 1950 for the Washington Capitols ahead of fellow Black players. Chuck Cooper, Nathaniel Clifton, and Hank DeZonie.

More from West Virginia State University:

“The State family mourns the loss of a fellow Yellow Jacket and trailblazer who was a true champion both on and off of the basketball court. When Earl stepped out on the court on that fateful date in 1950, this remarkable man rightfully earned his place in the historic civil rights movement and, more important, he opened the door to equality in America,” WVSU President Brian Hemphill said.

“I am so thankful the State family was able to welcome Earl back to campus last year, honor him and celebrate his legacy and unveil the Earl Francis Lloyd Lobby and statue in the new state-of-the-art convocation center. On behalf of the State family, my wife, Marisela, and I extend our deepest condolences to Charlita and their sons and extended family.”

Lloyd made history a few more times in his Hall Of Fame career. He and his Syracuse Nationals teammate Jim Tucker were the first Black players to star on a NBA championship team. Lloyd’s longest tenure with a team was with the now-defunct Nationals team, which is currently the Philadelphia 76ers.

Lloyd played for the Detroit Pistons for two seasons before retiring in from playing in 1960. He was then hired as an assistant coach by the Pistons in 1968, making Lloyd the first Black person to hold such a post. Lloyd was later promoted to the head coach position, making him the second to do so.

Nicknamed “The Big Cat,” the 6-foot-5 small forward was responsible for scouting and helping to discover future NBA stars Willis Reed, Earl Monroe, Dave Bing, Ray Scott, and Wally Jones.

Lloyd, who leaves behind his wife Charlita, their three sons and four grandchildren, was 86.

Photo: West Virginia State University