Sports
Players from the first all-black women’s basketball team reflect on making history in 1984
The 12 months 1984 was stuffed with many firsts in women’s basketball. It was a 12 months in which we got a glimpse into the way forward for the game’s evolution, a 12 months stuffed with special recognition.
West Virginia Center Georgeann Wells became the first woman to dunk a basketball in a school game, in which Bertha Teague, Margaret Wade and Senda Berenson Abbott became the first women inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. The U.S. women’s Olympic team won its first gold medal. A rule change in the NCAA reduced the diameter of the basketball by one inch (to twenty-eight.5–29 inches) and made it two ounces lighter than the previous ball and 1 to 1.5 inches smaller than the ball utilized by men.
More than a decade before the WNBA, the United States Women’s Basketball Association debuted in 1996, but it surely was short-lived, like many other skilled women’s basketball leagues. The USC women’s team became the first team to win a second straight NCAA championship.
But the face – or faces – of women’s college basketball also modified 40 years ago when the Kodak All-America team was announced. For the first time since Women’s Basketball Coaches Association began selection in 1975, all 10 players on the 1984 squad were black. An all-Black team from across America wouldn’t be repeated for 22 years. This only happened 4 times (1984, 2006, 2007, 2008).
Five women from the 1984 team were inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and one was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Three players won gold medals for Team USA in the 1984 Olympics, and one All-American played at a historically black university.
Here’s an oral history of the women who were a part of this All-American women’s basketball team’s historic moment.
Kyle Grantham for The Washington Post via Getty Images
Cheryl Miller, sophomore forward, USC
At the time, this topic (about the racial makeup of the team) never got here up. The one thing that basically stands out is how much we had in common outside of basketball and we were not adversaries. It gave us a probability to bond and develop some type of friendship with one another.
It’s shocking to know that we were the first because I can consider several other situations where this might have happened. However, I’m astonished to learn of a 22-year hiatus before one other all-Black American team. It’s amazing because when you consider all the great black women who’ve played, like Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, Candace Parker. . . I just think the difference could be closer. And there isn’t a disrespect to the white players who were drafted. I’m just surprised it took one other 22 years the second time around.
Pam McGee, senior, center/forward, USC
This signifies that we were pioneers and strived to interrupt down barriers. This was necessary because we were amongst the first women and African-Americans to receive full-ride scholarships under Title IX. It was one other example of what I really like about sports and the way it transcends race. If you are a ballista, you are a ballista. It’s about who can put it between those black lines. . . That’s why we didn’t get sucked into being an all-Black team. We just knew we had settled in as an All-American.
UNC athletics
Tresa Brown, senior, forward, North Carolina
We first noticed (the band was all black) once we all gathered for a bunch photo. I used to be like, hey, wait a minute, we’re all black women. But we didn’t meet and sit down and speak about it. It might need been the era we were in at the time, so we didn’t really speak about it, but possibly we didn’t speak about it because the whole lot that was happening that week was latest and exciting.
I wish we could have gotten together so we could all spend time catching up and higher understanding the history we created during that point. Janice Lawrence was my roommate this week and I actually have kept in touch along with her over the past 12 months. . . It’s hard to imagine it has been 40 years already.
Photo by Bob Bryant/AP
Janet Harris, junior, forward, Georgia
I actually have a photograph of the team on my phone and I have a look at it from time to time. This team, wow. We had an amazing time this week in Los Angeles. When we modified and took photos, we said, OK, because we noticed that the entire team was black, but we didn’t realize the scale of it or realize that we were the first. I actually didn’t know we were the first all-black team in America until (Georgia teammate Teresa Edwards) told me just a few days ago.
It was one in all the best teams in America. We had three Olympians (Cheryl Miller, Pam McGee and Janice Lawrence). Unlike many modern players, everyone was tall and will play multiple positions. Everyone was versatile. We played. We would maintain it.
Annette Smith, junior, center, Texas
It was a tremendous team and I remember talking to Annette about how I used to be the smallest player in the group. But in terms of making the All-America team, it was significant because I suppose not everyone picking the team was black, and for them to say that these were the best players no matter race might have been a really difficult decision. The second thing I assumed was that it was obvious that the team needed to be all Black. I’d prefer to think it was a good shake and these were the best players.
Becky Jackson, senior, center, Auburn
I remember how all of us got along and had a number of fun that week. It was full of events and time spent at the amusement park. Some of the players I already knew, but a few of the other players were great to fulfill for the first time. We’ve all noticed with regards to the makeup of the team. We thought, “Girl, look at us, we’re all black.” I used to be proud after I saw our photo in a magazine. Being the first all-Black All-American team meant that we were appreciated as players and it felt good to be on this All-American team with all Black women.
Cheney University Athletics
Yolanda Laney, senior, point guard/shooter, Cheyney State
The first thing I assumed was that this team was all Black, after which I assumed it was a very tough All-American class, especially since Janice Lawrence was on the team. I watched the video and was very impressed along with her because she was a troublesome competitor and hit the ball off the backboard like my favorite player George Gervin.
I also knew it was a historic moment since it was the first time being all-black. The funny thing is, even once we were sitting at dinner or eating lunch, it didn’t dawn on me until we took this photo. While they were taking photos, I turned to Marilyn (Stephens) and asked if she realized the band was all Black. Everyone began looking around and nodding, saying, “You’re right.”
The right players were picked for his or her collected talent and it was something where politics didn’t play a job like in other times when politics can play an unpleasant part in something. Looking at each player’s stats and accomplishments individually and what they did for his or her schools this 12 months, it meant we were fully deserving of being named an All-American.
Janice Lawrence, center, senior, Louisiana Tech
Tresa (Brown) and I actually have been friends without end. We talked recently about (the 1984 All-American team) and the way we didn’t take into consideration the history or that it was an enormous deal. I remember bits and pieces of the experience, but I do not remember the details like she does. When I have a look at this photo, I’m glad to be an element of it because all these girls were superstars. To have this collective group of ladies who didn’t even know they were making history but were an element of it’s an amazing thing.
It could be improbable if we could all get back together. I played with Janet Harris and Becky Jackson in Italy. It could be great fun to fulfill all of us. If we could get ourselves and all the other Black All-America teams together, that will be improbable.
temple athletics
Marilyn Stephens, forward, senior, Temple
. Stephens is a member of the Big Five Hall of Fame and the Temple Athletics Hall of Fame. In 2013, she was also named an inaugural A-10 Women’s Basketball Legend.
When all of us arrived at the hotel lobby and gathered in our uniforms for the photo session, all of us just checked out one another. We all had the same look of pleasure and said, “I can’t believe it.” We had 10 of the best players in the country and we’re all black girls. And we were all 6 feet and taller. We were an enormous team.
The All-America team means it wasn’t a racial issue for voters. It was about talent and I’m glad we’re all considered pioneers because we’re the first.
Being a member of this All-American team was special because I sat right next to my friend Yolanda and we represented Philadelphia. The indisputable fact that we were all African American was also special.
I teach highschool, and our All-America photo was on display for Black History Month.
LSU athletics
Joyce Walker, guard, senior, LSU
I immediately noticed that everybody looked similar to me. We were all women of color and that struck me, at the same time as a young woman. My previous memories of the All-American team were of a combination of white and black athletes, but this time we were all the same color.
It wasn’t until later that I spotted the significance of it, but then I assumed, “wow, has something like this ever happened?” And I didn’t give it some thought again until someone brought it to my attention years later and jogged my memory that it had never happened before.
As I met various members of this team over the years, we talked about how competitive the team was. We felt we did thoroughly. . . But I didn’t realize what an impact it could have until a few years later when people began sending me photos and through Black History month, certain things began popping up that I had posted somewhere, and that is after I said, “Yes, it has some significance.”
Ahkeema Love, who’s the mother of New Orleans Pelican Player, Zion Williamson, was arrested and accused after alleged hacking into the house of one other woman and attacking her.
According to 31-year love, she was accused Together with the home invasion, deteriorating battery and persecution after cops claimed that the woman he attacked was allegedly the interest of the NBA player. Love and Williamson divide a toddler, a daughter who was born in 2023.
Before the attack took place on April 6, love antagonized the victim when she took the house on March 17. She sent a girl a message on Instagram with information: “Don’t worry, it will be your head when I drop this child, count your days.” In the post in social media in March, Love published that she was celebrating her birthday and the upcoming birth of one other child. No word if Williamson is the father of his newborn baby.
“Happy birthday to me! 
This year I do not only celebrate the next year; But another addition to our family.
I can’t wait to meet you Little 1 
“
In an announcement made in court, officials stated that love was given by a toddler “shared by their romantic partner.”
Love had keys to the woman’s house. She went to the residence and “caught the victim’s hair and hit the victim with keys clenched into a fist” as an announcement. The victim suffered a cut over her eyes, a nodule on the face and scratching in her shoulders and face. She also had 4 nails detached from her hands.
Love was arrested at the house listed on behalf of Williamson.
Court documents reveal that Love had a trial in the bond on April 8 and was released from a police custody. As part of its issue, a protection order was issued.
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San Antonio – at the moment when Florida Gators approached the podium Alamad for his or her coronation, it will Will Richard kept the national championship in his arms and swayed them like a child.
When the team members submitted to the Postgame press conference in the media hall, Richard entered the room for room equipment and gently concentrated it on the podium.
Later, when the team gathered in the locker room to rejoice the first school championship since returning in 2006 and 2007, Richard stands in the center of the room, swaying the trophy.
“It’s hard, but I don’t care,” said Richard, when asked about his quick bonds with the prize. “This is a national championship trophy, and I have to wear it.”
Images Bob Dhannan-Imagn
On the night where Florida Walter Clayton Jr. And Alijah Martin was never completely offensive (they shot a total of 5-20 from the pitch, and Clayton was flawless in the first half), Richard’s hot hand in the first half in the first half allowed Gators to take care of the game on Monday 65-63.
Richard finished the game with 18 points and eight rebounds – each team ups. Fourteen of these points occurred in the first half, which ended when Gators traveled only about three, despite the two best scorers, Clayton and Martin, connecting just one goal in the first half.
“Houston guarded us great, but we have many guys in this band who can leave,” said Clayton. “(Monday) was one of these nights for Will. He showed it many times this year.”
This season, Richard led the team to attain nine times, including 30 points in his career against Georgia in February. While Clayton and Martin had problems in the first half against the highest rated defense in the country, Richard was on the radiator-bothering in 4 out of six 3-point shots.
“I just try to play to help us stay in the game,” said Richard, who withdrew from the NBA 2024 draft to return to this season. “I knew that if the arrows were open, I had to take them. When I saw the first to come up, I just said,” It’s my time. ” I just try to make a few pieces to help us win. “
Richard often ended up with the ball when Houston sent a further body in Clayton to stop him from running the belt. This didn’t make Clayton ineffective in the first half, he simply made him a facilitator when he registered five out of seven his assists in the first 20 minutes.
The election shooter was not in the state of Richard, who scored 48.6% from the field this season. While Richard was limited to only 4 second half of the points, his heroic in the first half gave Clayton time to get into the center of attention at the end of the game. Clayton’s first goals got here from 7:54, but this shot and the following free kick tied the game to 48.
The 3-point Clayton indicator with 3:14 tied the game at the age of 60. From there, they suppress Florida’s defense, she kept Cougars without a goal in the last 2:04 games. Richard’s shooting in the title match took place after two doubtful trips: he left nine out of 12 shots in the last two tournament matches against Auburn and Texas Tech.
Heroiki on Monday evening brought Richard a place in 4 4 ALL-Tournament bands, joining Clayton, Cooper Flagga (Duke), LJ Cryer and J’an Roberts (each with Houston). Clayton was called the most eminent player of the tournament.
Photos of Robert Deutsch-Imagn
For Richard, timely scoring was a satisfying ending of a college career, which began in Belmont, where he scored a median of 12.1 points per match while starting 30 matches.
When Todd Golden arrived at Florida as the major coach in 2022, Richard was the first player who committed himself to the program. Richard began all games except three since they arrived in Gainesville. Earlier in the NCAA Tournament, Golden called Richard the “elite sets of culture”, which he gave the tone to the team from the 1st day. Martin called him a “leader”.
For Richard, the whole lot was part of the process to assist establish the foundation under the latest management.
“I just wanted to make sure that guys know the standard in which (Golden) wants guys to play,” said Richard. “Just bringing this advantage every day so that we can be where we want.”
Where all the teams wish to be on the pitch after the last match of the season, when “they shiny moment” plays on large screens. After Monday’s match, Richard climbed the ladder to grab the fragment from the network when Luther Vandross’s voice filled the arena.
This fragment, a few hours later, hung at the back of his national championship hat when he was a trophy in the cloakroom.
“When the clock hit Zero, I was shocked because I thought,” We really won the national championship, “said Richard. “This is something I actually have at all times dreamed of and it is exclusive to see that it involves implementation.”
Asked when he intends to desert the trophy, Richard gave the impression that he was planning him when he returned to the hotel room.
“I don’t think I would leave it,” he said with a smile. “I don’t think I’m leaving it.”
Sports
Stopping of the defensive Walter Clayton Jr. gives Florida a third national title with a victory 65-63 over Houston
Walter Clayton Jr. From Florida he invented the perfect gift that’s a crushing spirit of Houston, who persecuted, battered and downloaded all of it night.
It was its own defensive jewel. Just before the buzzer. For victory and national title.
Gattors and Clayton one way or the other overcame the intensity of Lockdown Houston, along with a 12-point deficit on Monday evening to win 65-63 victory in the title thriller NCAA, decided that his own D Florida Senior stopped Cougars from winning the win in the match in Brzęcze.
Clayton ended with 11 points, all the things in the second half. For most, he might be remembered that Emanuel Sharp from Houston stops in the middle of his movement when he tried to go to the winning game 3 in the last seconds.
“Just go 100 percent,” said Clayton, asked what he was attempting to do at the finish. “We just tried to stop and we happened to get it. I am glad that we did it.”
With a sharp in search of room, Clayton ran to him. Houston’s guard dropped the ball and, unable to choose it up, in order to not be called to travel, he watched him bounce.
Alex Condon dived on the ball, after which knocked it over to Clayton, who ran to the opposite line of free kicks with a buzzer and pulled the shirt from shorts. Then the court was flooded with Gator Chomps and Orange and Blue Confetti.
“We guarded them hard, and then I saw the ball loose and I just hoped that we would beat it to the ball,” said Florida coach Todd Golden.
This meant the fourth return in six March madmen for Gators (36-4). They led this game for 64 seconds, including the last 46 ticks of the competition, which was suspended to the last shot that never got here.
Coach Houston, Kelvin Sampson, called it “incomprehensible” that Cougers couldn’t shoot in a single of the last two things.
About the last one, Sampson said: “Clayton had a great time. But that’s why you have to shoot a false and get to the paint. Two in order.”
Will Richard had 18 points to maintain him in it, and won his third general title and the first since Billy Donovan returned in 2006-07.
This time it’s gold in the third yr, restoring the title back to Gainesville, where Faithful Gator can have fun victory in a single of the biggest scenes of the university sport for the first time, since Tim Tebow played the playmaker in the football team in 2008.
It was the first HoOPS title at a south -eastern conference from Kentucky in 2012, in addition to the results for which the Power conference (expected?) Count after placing records of 14 teams in the tournament.
Cougars (35-5) and Sampson were refused their first championships and resulted in the same place as the colourful teams of Phi Slama Jama from the 80s-oh-so close in second place.
It was a defensive fight – Gators didn’t break 70 for the second time throughout the season – and for many of the night Clayton received the worst of this.
He had 0 for 4 from the field without a point to the first half. I met at the top of the circle, after which doubled and imprisoned if needed, he didn’t rating until he hit two free throws from 14:57.
The player who scored no less than 30 points in the last two matches, which on average 24.6 in the first five matches of the tournament, which just about independently beat Uconn and Texas Tech down these March return to madness, ended with one third. Earlier he had a few three points going down to the rims, which kept the gattors in a striking range. He finished 3 for 10.
He also became part of not one, but two stops that placed these gatras in a historical book, and doubtless established himself as the best basketball player to wear orange and blue.
After Alijah Martin performed two free kicks to place Florida 64-63, the first advantage from 8-6 gattors lured sharply in a triple team in the corner, where Clayton pressed him, after which Richard forced him to dribble the ball from his leg and leaving Bounds.
Florida made one free kick in the next possession, which established the final.
The ball first went to LJ Cryer, who led Cougars with 19 points. Covered by Richard, he threw himself at Sharp, who moved to note 3 when Clayton ran to him. It didn’t leave him a alternative but to let the ball go.
“It was a great defensive game of Walter,” said Condon. “I just dived over it, and hearing a buzzer was a crazy feeling.”
Instead of 69-year-old Sampson became the oldest coach who won the title, 39-year-old Golden becomes the youngest than Jim Valvano from NC State in 1983 to win all the things.
This thrilling loss occurred two nights after Cougars created their very own return, from 14 down against Duke.
All the last three 4 matches have been settled on the episode, not more than the six -point victory of Florida over Auburn on Saturday. Every thought that the male game has been overtaken by increasingly popular women will probably abstain for no less than a yr.
On Sunday, the last three women’s matches, limited by Uconn in Southern Carolina, on average 24.7 points were settled.
“When it remained up to the two best teams,” said Sampson about a thriller, who barely lost, “it will not be easy for any team.”
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