Jerry Harkness, former Pacers player, dead at 81
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Head coach Porter Moser of the Loyola Ramblers speaks to former Loyola player Jerry Harkness during practice before the 2018 Men’s NCAA Final Four at the Alamodome on March 30, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) -
Jerry Harkness #15 of the Loyola Ramblers drives to the basket against Hack Tison #31 of the Duke Blue Devils during the semifinal game of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament held at Freedom Hall on March 22, 1963 in Louisville, Kentucky. Loyola defeated Duke 94-75 to advance to the finals. (Rich Clarkson/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indiana’s first Black television sportscaster and former Pacers player Jerry Harkness has died, Mark Montieth announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday. He was 81.
In his time with the Pacers, Harkness hit the longest game-winning shot in basketball history, the post said.
Harkness was also captain of the 1962-1963 Loyola of Chicago basketball team that made history in what came to be known as the “Game of Change.” After the governor of Mississippi attempted to prevent Mississippi State from playing with integrated teams in the NCAA tournament, Loyola won the game and went on to claim the 1963 NCAA title.
Aside from his accomplishments in basketball, Harkness was also known for his work with United Way and serving as the director of the Indianapolis chapter of 100 Black Men of America.