The legendary John McLendon boasted many firsts in his career. He coached at Tennessee A & I from 1954-1959 where he led the first all-black college team to a national tournament in 1954. He then led the Tigers to three straight NAIA national championships in 1957, 1958, and 1959, another first for college basketball. McLendon later became the first African-American coach in professional basketball when he joined the ABL’s Cleveland Pipers in 1959. His Pipers defeated the U.S. Olympic team led by Jerry West and Oscar Robertson in 1960. McLendon was also the first African-American coach to compete in international competition, serve on the U.S. Olympic team staff, and coach in the ABA. #BlackHistory #TSUHistory #BlackHistoryMonth