Chuck Cooper III

Chuck Cooper III

From Legends Of Sport by Andrew D. Bernstein

March 17, 2026 · 35 min · Season 8 · Episode 26

About this episode

Andy chats with Chuck Cooper III about his father's pioneering role in the NBA and his legacy.

Andy chats with author Chuck Cooper III, son of NBA Hall of Famer, Chuck Cooper! Chuck became the first African-American athlete to be drafted into the NBA, when he was selected by the Boston Celtics in 1950. Andy & Chuck discuss his father's legacy as a pioneer of the sport, how his time the Harlem Globetrotters helped break the color barrier in the NBA, his aspirations to play in the NBA growing up, dealing with racism in the 1950s, his legacy on the court as a prolific all-around player and rebounder, passing away in 1984 at the young age of 57, his community outreach as a player, the Chuck Cooper Foundation, as well as the Chuck Cooper Foundation Centennial Gala celebrating his father's 100th year of life and legacy! Ushood - Protect your skin at UShood.com and use promo code LOS15 Mugsy Jeans - Mugsy Jeans - Get 20% cash back on your first order! https://tidd.ly/467z5e5

People in this episode

Host: Andrew D. Bernstein

Guest: Chuck Cooper III

Topics covered

  • NBA history
  • racial barriers in sports
  • Chuck Cooper's legacy
  • basketball pioneers
  • community outreach

Keywords

  • Chuck Cooper
  • NBA
  • basketball
  • racial barriers
  • Harlem Globetrotters
  • Chuck Cooper Foundation
  • sports history

Sponsors

Uhood, Mugsy Jeans

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Boston Celtics, Chuck Cooper Foundation

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