Virginia Union and Winston-Salem State are set to play in the NBA HBCU Classic on Saturday in a matchup of two of the most legendary programs in HBCU basketball history.
Winston-Salem State has a long, storied basketball history that dates back nearly a century. It includes many of the greatest players in CIAA, HBCU and small college basketball history. Here is an all-time starting five as well as some other notable names from Winston-Salem basketball history.
Ted Blunt
1961-1965
Ted Blunt’s basketball career at Winston-Salem State University is nothing short of legendary, marked by a series of remarkable accomplishments that solidified his status as one of the most formidable players in the sport during the early 1960s.
From 1961 to 1965, Blunt consistently dominated the court, earning spots on the All C.I.A.A. Conference and Tournament teams each year. His exceptional skill and dedication to the game were evident, as he consistently delivered standout performances that left opponents in awe.
In 1963, Blunt’s talents reached new heights when he was awarded the prestigious C.I.A.A. Tournament Most Valuable Player Award. This accolade was a testament to his unmatched abilities and his pivotal role in leading his team to victory on the grandest stage.
Blunt’s impact extended beyond conference play, as evidenced by his stellar performances in the Georgia Invitational tournaments in 1963 and 1964. Not only was he named to the All-Tournament teams both years, but he also claimed the coveted title of Most Valuable Player, further solidifying his reputation as a force to be reckoned with on the court.
His excellence didn’t go unnoticed on the national stage either. Blunt’s outstanding contributions led to his selection for the All N.A.I.A. teams in both 1964 and 1965, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level of collegiate basketball.
One of the highlights of Blunt’s career came in 1964 when he was chosen to represent the N.A.I.A. Olympic Trials Basketball Team. This prestigious opportunity underscored his exceptional talent and served as a testament to his standing as one of the premier players in the country.
Blunt went on to become an educator and eventually a politicial force in Delaware, where he held the title of Lt. Governor. His daughter, Lisa Blunt Rochester, is currently a US congresswoman and running for the US Senate.
Cleo Hill
1957-1961
The Newark, NJ native is the school’s second all-time leading scorer behind Earl Monroe. Hill scored 2,488 points for an average of 25.4 in a total of 98 games. He started as a freshman scoring 23.5 points, then upped it to 24.5 ppg. He averaged 27.7 ppg in 1959-60 and 26.7 ppg in 1960-61 to help the Rams claim consecutive Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championships. In doing so, Hill earned all-CIAA honors for both seasons. Winston-Salem State posted records of 19-5 and 26-5 in those two seasons. In recognition of his senior-year performance, Hill earned NAIA first-team all-American honors in 1961.
Hill went on to be drafted in the first round by the St. Louis Hawks. His son, Cleo Hill Jr., is currently the head coach at WSSU.
Earl Monroe
1963-1967
Like Ted Blunt, Earl Monroe arrived in Winston-Salem without Big House Gaines having ever seen him play back in 1963. He only averaged seven points per game that season. The next year his average tripled to 23.2 points per game. As a junior, his average increased to 29.8 points per game as he helped the Rams win the C.I.A.A. Tournament. Monroe’s senior season was one for the record books as he averaged a gaudy 41.5 points per game, leading Winston-Salem State to a 31-1 record and an NCAA College Division national title. His 2,935 career points remain the most in CIAA history as well as WSSU history.
Monroe went on to become the no. 2 pick in the 1967 NBA Draft by the Baltimore Bullets. The 1968 Rookie of The Year eventually moved to the New York Knicks where he helped the franchise win its most recent NBA title. He is now in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame along with Gaines.
William English
1966-1969
English was the second leading scorer on the 1967 NCAA title team, averaging 18.6 points and 11.6 rebounds per contest that season. When Monroe went to the pros he became the team’s top scoring option, averaging 24.9 points as junior during the 1967-68 season — including a 77-point game against Fayetteville State. He averaged 24.7 points per game as a senior in 1969. English averaged 19 points per game for his career.
Carlos Terry
1973-1977
Terry was as a sixth man during his freshman season; returning for the next three years earning All-CIAA Forward honors. Carlos was named to the CIAA All-Tournament Team four times. In 1977, he averaged 20 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. He was named Most Valuable Player as he led the Rams to their last CIAA Championship. He was named the 1978 Gaines Award winner as the CIAA Player of the Year, and was a two time All-NAIA District Associated Press Small College All-American. He finished his collegiate career with 1,968 points and 1,360 rebounds.
Terry was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, and spent several seasons with the Washington Bullets.
Sixth man:
Reggie Gaines
1978-1980
Gaines played three seasons at WSSU, but he made the most of them. Gaines averaged 19.7 ppg his first season, then upped it to 24.5 ppg in 1979. He slavered his best season for last, averaging 28.6 ppg and 11.9 rebounds en route to being named CIAA Player of The Year. He finished with 2,063 points in three seasons.
Honorable Mention:
Earl Williams: Talented big man played four years in the NBA
Robert Colon: Colon scored nearly 1,800 points and led WSSU to its 12th CIAA title in 2020
Javonte Cooke: Curry averaged 16.6 points his lone season at WSSU and is currently starring in the G-League
Larry Patterson: Two-time CIAA champion was the 2000 CIAA Player of The Year
Alex Cooper: Averaged 20 points per game in two seasons
Wykevin Bazemore: Four-time All-CIAA player scored nearly 1,400 points and grabbed more than 900 rebounds
Stephen A. Smith did NOT make the cut, but he will make an appearance at the NBA HBCU Classic.
Coverage of the NBA HBCU Classic between Winston-Salem State and Virginia Union will tip-off at 2 PM and be simulcast on TNT, NBA TV and ESPN2, with Grant Hill, Chris Haynes and Brian Custer serving as the on-air broadcast team. ESPN hosts and HBCU alumni Stephen A. Smith (WSSU) and Shannon Sharpe (Savannah State University) will appear on telecast to discuss their HBCU experiences.
The 2024 NBA HBCU Classic marks the first matchup between two Division II programs.
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