Introduction to the First Black NCAA Men’s Basketball Coach
The first black NCAA men’s basketball coach was Robert Sharp. He was the first African American to serve as a head coach in college basketball and the first African American to lead a college basketball team to a national championship. Sharpe was born in 1929 in Washington, D.C., and attended Howard University, where he was a star basketball player. He began his coaching career in 1952 at Hampton Institute, where he led the team to a conference championship in his first season.
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Robert Sharp’s Coaching Career
After his successful stint at Hampton Institute, Sharp became the head coach at North Carolina Central University in 1955. He quickly made an impact, leading the team to a conference championship in his first season. Sharp was then hired as the head coach of the North Carolina State Wolfpack in 1966, where he led the team to two consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.
In addition to his coaching successes, Sharp also made history when he became the first African American to serve as a head coach in the modern era of college basketball. Sharp was a pioneer in the sport, paving the way for future African American coaches.
Sharp’s Achievements
Sharp’s achievements include leading the Wolfpack to the national championship in 1974, making him the first African American coach to achieve this feat. He also won seven ACC championships and was a three-time ACC Coach of the Year. Sharp retired as the winningest coach in ACC history, with a record of 526-98.
He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1986 and the NC State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1989. Sharp was also named one of the 100 Greatest Coaches of All Time by the National Association of Basketball Coaches in 1997.
Sharp’s Impact
Sharp’s impact on the game of basketball was immense. He provided a platform for other African American coaches to succeed in college basketball. Much of the success of African American coaches today can be attributed to Sharp’s pioneering efforts.
Sharp’s legacy also extends to the players he coached. Many of his former players have gone on to have successful careers as coaches, including NBA Coach of the Year award winners Sam Vincent and Dave Cowens.
Sharp’s Legacy
Sharp’s legacy is one of pioneering and success. He was the first African American coach to lead a team to a national championship and was a pioneer in college basketball. His success paved the way for future African American coaches to have success in college basketball.
Sharp’s legacy also lives on through the players he coached. His former players have gone on to have successful coaching careers, including NBA Coach of the Year award winners Sam Vincent and Dave Cowens.
Sharp’s Final Years and Death
Sharp retired from coaching in 1989 and passed away in 2008 at the age of 79. He was remembered fondly by many for his pioneering efforts and his success as a coach.
Sharp’s Awards and Accolades
Sharp’s accomplishments were recognized throughout his career. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1986 and the NC State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1989. In 1997, he was named one of the 100 Greatest Coaches of All Time by the National Association of Basketball Coaches.
Sharp’s Legacy Lives On
Sharp’s legacy lives on through the players he coached and the coaches who followed in his footsteps. His pioneering efforts and success have had a lasting impact on college basketball and the lives of African American coaches.
Conclusion
Robert Sharp was the first African American coach to lead a team to a national championship and was a pioneer in college basketball. His legacy lives on through the players he coached and the coaches who followed in his footsteps. Sharp’s accomplishments and pioneering efforts will never be forgotten and will continue to inspire future generations of coaches.
Key Points
- Robert Sharp was the first black NCAA men’s basketball coach.
- He was a pioneer in college basketball, paving the way for future African American coaches.
- Sharp led the Wolfpack to a national championship in 1974.
- He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1986 and the NC State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1989.
- Sharp’s legacy lives on through the players he coached and the coaches who followed in his footsteps.