The basketball world mourns the loss of one of the most iconic female players of all time. This title gets granted with so much ease in recent times, but now, we’re talking about an actual trailblazer that left a huge mark on the beautiful game.
Lusia Harris sadly passed away at the age of 66 this week, shocking her family with her unexpected departure from this world. Ms. Harris made history in the game, achieving things that no other woman could do and setting the blueprint for those who came after her.
The first and only woman to be selected for the NBA is no longer among us, but she leaves a big legacy that will last forever. Harris was an iconic figure for female players whose light will never go out.
Via The Washington Post:
Lusia Harris, one of the most acclaimed female basketball players of the 1970s, who led Mississippi’s Delta State University to three consecutive national championships, scored the first points in a women’s Olympic basketball game and was drafted by an NBA team, died Jan. 18 in Greenwood, Miss., where she lived. She was 66.
Her family announced the death in a statement. She had a variety of unspecified health problems in recent years.
Harris had a dominant and strong style of play, which resembled players like Shaquille O’Neal. In 1977, she was selected by the New Orleans Jazz as the 137th pick in the draft. Contrary to Denise Long in 1969, the NBA allowed this pick, and Harris was free to join the team.
However, she never did it since she was pregnant at the time she must attend the team’s workout. Harris could have made even more history if it wasn’t for that ‘little’ detail.
Even though she smiled a lot on the court, Lusia always made sure her voice was heard and her opponents knew who they were dealing with.
Shaq had a big admiration for the woman, and they even linked up to create the “Queen of Basketball” documentary, where O’Neal served as an executive producer. The Big Diesel reacted to the death of Harris, sending a heartfelt message on social media.
I am extremely saddened at the sudden loss of the unsung legend and fearless trailblazer – Lusia Harris. Her inspiring story should be bookmarked in history. While she rests in peace, let’s celebrate her legacy.
I am extremely saddened at the sudden loss of the unsung legend and fearless trailblazer – Lusia Harris. Her inspiring story should be bookmarked in history. While she rests in peace, let’s celebrate her legacy. pic.twitter.com/r8YAGbsksa
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 19, 2022
After being drafted to the NBA, Harris only played with the Houston Angels of the short-lived Women’s Professional Basketball League in 1980. After that brief experience, she never played competitive basketball again. Although she believed the Jazz drafted her as part of a publicity stunt, Harris still made history, and nobody can erase that.
This is a big loss for her family and the world of basketball. May she rest in peace.
