Loyola Chicago Basketball Pioneer Jerry Harkness Dies at 81

Loyola Chicago Basketball Pioneer Jerry Harkness Dies at 81
Former Loyola player Jerry Harkness is seen during practice before the Men's NCAA Final Four at the Alamodome, in San Antonio, Texas, on March 30, 2018. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
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Jerry Harkness was inspired by Jackie Robinson to take up the game of basketball. He ended up becoming a civil rights trailblazer in his own right.

Following a path paved by Major League Baseball’s first black player, Harkness led Loyola Chicago to a barrier-breaking national championship in basketball in 1963 and a was pioneer well after his playing career.