Collis Temple


Collis Temple Jr. is an American former professional basketball player.

College career

The Kentwood, Louisiana native was the first African-American to play varsity basketball at Louisiana State University. When he joined the team in 1971, the United States National Guard was called to protect him from angry segregationists. As a senior, Temple earned All-Southeastern Conference honors after averaging 15.0 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. In 2017, Temple was elected to the Louisiana State University Athletic Hall of Fame.

Professional career

Temple was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the 94th pick of the 1974 NBA draft. He spent one season with the San Antonio Spurs of the American Basketball Association. He averaged 1.8 points and 1.3 rebounds in 24 games.
In February 1975, he joined the Iberia Superstars of the European Professional Basketball League.

Personal

Temple has two sons, Collis III and Garrett Temple, who both played at LSU.