ESPN’s Images in Black and White: Lusia Harris

Lusia Harris (1955-2022) was featured on ESPN’s Images in Black and White. She was responsible for helping the US get a silver medal for women’s basketball in the 1976 Olympic Games. Her skills were so impressive she was the first woman to be officially drafted by the NBA. Denise Long was drafted first, but it was this choice was voided. Thus, Harris was the first official draft. This was done by the New Orleans Jazz team. Lusia never played on the team. She declined the offer. Lusia was a pioneer in women’s basketball and will be remembered for her contribution to the sport.