Tom Black

Tom Black was an American professional basketball player who played as a center in the National Basketball Association and Amateur Athletic Union during the 1960s and early 1970s.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Thomas Donald Black was born on July 9, 1941, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States of America. He stood 6 feet 10 inches tall and weighed 220 pounds during his playing career.

Black played the center position and shot right-handed, wearing jersey numbers 12 and 24 during his professional career. He passed away on September 9, 2017, in Missoula, Montana, at the age of 76.

High School and College Career

Black attended West Salem High School in Wisconsin. He began his collegiate basketball career at the University of Wisconsin–Madison for the 1960–1961 season before transferring to South Dakota State University.

At South Dakota State, Black earned First-Team All-North Central Conference honors in both 1963 and 1964, establishing himself as one of the top players in the conference.

Professional Career

Black was selected by the Baltimore Bullets in the 9th round, 72nd overall in the 1964 NBA draft.

He began his professional career with the Phillips 66ers, an AAU powerhouse, playing from 1964 to 1966. He later played for the Akron Wingfoots in 1968. Black made his NBA debut with the Seattle SuperSonics during the 1970–71 season.

He also played for the Cincinnati Royals in 1971. His NBA career was brief, but he was recognized for his size and rebounding ability.

Career Highlights

• 1963, 1964 – First-Team All-North Central Conference (NCC)