History of Lusia Harris in Timeline

Lusia Mae Harris was a trailblazing American basketball player who is widely regarded as a pioneer in women's basketball. She achieved remarkable success at Delta State University, where she led her team to three consecutive AIAW National Championships from 1975 to 1977. On the international stage, she represented the United States in the 1976 Olympic Games, securing a silver medal in the first-ever women's basketball tournament. Harris made history as the first and only woman officially drafted by the NBA when she was selected by the New Orleans Jazz. Her outstanding contributions to the sport earned her inductions into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.

February 10, 1955: Birth of Lusia Harris

Lusia Mae Harris was born on February 10, 1955.

1963: Previous US Pan American Victory

The US women's basketball team last won gold at the Pan American Games in 1963.

1969: Denise Long Drafted by the NBA

Denise Long was drafted by the San Fransisco Warriors in 1969, though the league later voided the selection.

1973: Start of College Basketball Career

Lusia Harris began her college basketball career at Delta State University in 1973. The team finished with a 16-2 record.

1974: Road to First AIAW Championship

Delta State University began their journey to the national tournament, setting the stage for their first AIAW National Championship win in 1975.

1975: First AIAW National Championship Win

Lusia Harris led Delta State University to their first AIAW National Championship, defeating the Immaculata University Mighty Macs. This game marked the first time a women's basketball game was nationally televised.

1975: Second AIAW National Championship and National Scoring Title

Lusia Harris led Delta State to their second consecutive AIAW National Championship, defeating Immaculata University once again. She also achieved the national scoring title that year, averaging 31.2 points per game.

1975: International Debut and Pan American Gold Medal

Lusia Harris made her international basketball debut, representing the United States at the FIBA World Championship and the Pan American Games. The team won the gold medal at the Pan American Games, their first victory since 1963.

1975: Team USA Reunites for the Olympics

Lusia Harris rejoined her teammates from the 1975 Pan American Games to represent the United States at the inaugural women's Olympic basketball tournament.

1976: Playing at Madison Square Garden

Lusia Harris and Delta State played a game at Madison Square Garden, one of the first women's basketball teams to do so, marking a significant moment in the sport's history.

1976: First Points in Women's Olympic Basketball History

Lusia Harris, as part of the US women's basketball team, scored the first-ever points in the women's Olympic basketball tournament at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.

1976: Olympic Silver Medalist

Representing the United States at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, Lusia Harris and her team won the silver medal in the first-ever women's basketball tournament at the Olympic Games. Harris scored the first points in the history of the women's Olympic basketball tournament.

February 4, 1977: Marriage to George E. Stewart

Lusia Harris married George E. Stewart on February 4, 1977.

1977: Third Consecutive National Championship Victory

Delta State, led by Lusia Harris, secured their third consecutive national title, solidifying their dominance in women's college basketball.

1977: College Career Conclusion and National Recognition

Lusia Harris ended her college basketball career with numerous accolades, including three consecutive AIAW National Championship titles, national tournament MVP awards, and All-American honors. She also received the inaugural Honda Sports Award for basketball and the Broderick Cup.

1977: Graduation from Delta State University

Lusia Harris graduated from Delta State University with a bachelor's degree in health, physical education, and recreation.

1977: Drafted by the NBA

Lusia Harris made history as the first and only woman officially drafted by an NBA team, the New Orleans Jazz, in 1977.

1977: Third Consecutive AIAW Championship and Selection in the NBA Draft

Lusia Harris secured her third consecutive AIAW National Championship with Delta State. Notably, she was drafted by the New Orleans Jazz in the NBA draft, becoming the first and only woman officially drafted by the NBA.

1978: Drafted to the WBL

The Houston Angels selected Lusia Harris as the number one free agent in the inaugural season of the Women's Professional Basketball League (WBL).

1979: Professional Basketball Debut

Lusia Harris played professional basketball briefly in the Women's Professional Basketball League (WBL) with the Houston Angels during the 1979-1980 season, marking her time in professional basketball.

1983: Induction into Delta State's Hall of Fame

Lusia Harris was inducted into Delta State's Hall of Fame, recognizing her impact on the university's basketball program.

1984: Master's Degree and Coaching Career

Lusia Harris earned a master's degree in education from Delta State University. She went on to coach at the college and high school levels.

1992: First African-American Woman Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Lusia Harris became the first African-American woman inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, a testament to her pioneering role in basketball.

1999: Induction into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

Lusia Harris was among the inaugural inductees into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, further solidifying her legacy as a prominent figure in women's basketball history.

June 10, 2021: "The Queen of Basketball" Film Release

On June 10, 2021, "The Queen of Basketball," a documentary film about Lusia Harris, was released. The film, directed by Ben Proudfoot, would go on to win an Oscar and featured Shaquille O'Neal and Stephen Curry as executive producers.

January 18, 2022: Death of Lusia Harris

Lusia Harris passed away on January 18, 2022.

2022: "The Queen of Basketball" Wins Academy Award

In 2022, the documentary film about Harris, "The Queen of Basketball," won the Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject).