Charlie Black
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| Position | Power forward |
| Height / weight | 1.96 m / 91 kg |
| Born | 15 Jun 1921 (71 years) |
| Nationality |  United States |
Charlie Black was an American professional basketball player and a four-time All-American at the University of Kansas. Black was also a decorated World War II hero and a significant figure in Kansas basketball history. He has played for the National Basketball Association for 5 years and has played Indianapolis Jets, Fort Wayne Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks.
Player Profile and Personal Life
Charles Bradford Black Jr. was born on June 15, 1921, in Arco, Idaho, USA. He stood 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighed 200 pounds during his playing career.Black played as a forward and center, shooting right-handed, and wore several jersey numbers throughout his professional career, including 44, 29, 12, 7, and 21. After basketball, he worked as a farmer in Kansas and at a welding company before retiring to Rogers, Arkansas, in 1984.
He was present to see his number 10 jersey retired by Kansas shortly before his death on December 22, 1992. Black was also a decorated war hero, flying 51 reconnaissance missions over Nazi-occupied Europe as a P-38 pilot during World War II and earning the Distinguished Flying Cross.
High School and College Career
Black attended Southwest High School in Kansas City, Missouri. He played college basketball at the University of Kansas from 1941 to 1943 and again from 1945 to 1947 after serving in the military.At Kansas, Black was a two-time consensus First-Team All-American and a three-time First-Team All-Big Six selection. He was the first player in school history to score 1,000 career points and had his number 10 jersey retired by the Jayhawks.
Professional Career
Black began his professional basketball career with the Anderson Packers, playing for the team during the 1947–1948 season. He then joined the Indianapolis Jets for the 1948–1949 season before moving to the Fort Wayne Pistons for the 1949–1950 campaign.He returned to the Packers for the 1950–1951 season, and concluded his professional playing days with the Milwaukee Hawks in 1951–1952.
Career Highlights
- 1943, 1946 – Consensus First-Team All-American
- 1947 – Second-Team All-American (Helms)
- 1942, 1946, 1947 – First-Team All-Big Six
- Retired No. 10 jersey by Kansas Jayhawks (1992)
- Inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame (2004)
- Kansas Jayhawks locker room at Allen Fieldhouse is named in his honor
- Distinguished Flying Cross recipient (World War II)
- First player in Kansas history to score 1,000 career points
Charlie Black FAQ
Where is Charlie Black from?
Charlie Black was born in Arco, Idaho, and raised in Kansas City, Missouri.
What was Charlie Black’s most significant achievement?
Black’s most significant achievements include being a four-time All-American at Kansas, his decorated military service during World War II, and having his jersey retired by the Jayhawks.
What did Charlie Black do after his basketball career?
After basketball, Black worked as a farmer and at a welding company before retiring in Arkansas.
Was Charlie Black recognized for his military service?
Yes, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for flying 51 reconnaissance missions over Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II.
