Albersheim's 2015 June Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/7/2015
Charley Cooper (D. 1984) is one of three players with legitimate claims to be the first African American basketball player in the NBA. Each satisfied a different condition of being "first." In 1950, he was the first black player to be drafted by an NBA team. Cooper was signed by Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach. Cooper's NBA career was respectable but not stellar. He played four years with the Celtics, then was traded to the Milwaukee Hawks before ending his career as a member of the Ft. Wayne Pistons. During his NBA career, Cooper played a total of 409 games, scoring 2,725 points for an average of 6.66 points per game, with 2431 rebounds for an average of 5.9 per game, and 733 assists for an average of 1.79 per game. As some statistics were not kept during that era, it is not known how many blocked shots, steals or turnovers he had during his career.
We offer a signed 3x5 card. Historical Piece!!
Letter of Authenticity from Richard Albersheim.