Courtesy of the NCAA and North Carolina Central Athletic Communications


INDIANAPOLIS - A two-time Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee and former men's basketball coach at North Carolina Central University, John McLendon will add another prestigious award to his illustrious resume.
 
The Theodore Roosevelt Award, named after former President Theodore Roosevelt, is the highest award that can be conferred to an individual by the NCAA. The "Teddy" is an annual award that is presented to distinguished citizens with national reputation and outstanding accomplishments. The award recognition will be made in McLendon's honor during this month's NCAA Convention.
 
"Working with college students and college athletes really was the place closest to his heart," Tracey Banks, McLendon's granddaughter, said. "To hear that he is the recipient of this award means a great deal to our family."
 
McLendon, who passed away in 1999 at the age of 84, was the head coach at NCCU from 1940-1952. During his time at NCCU, he led his teams to a record of 264 wins and 60 loses, culminating in six CIAA championships.
 
McLendon who is the protégé of Dr. James Naismith, made a name for himself after organizing a private scrimmage against an all-white Duke Medical School team in 1944, which later became known as the "Secret Game."
 
This scrimmage was pivotal because it was the first non-segregated basketball game held during the Jim Crow era. The scrimmage was highlighted by McLendon's introduction of the full court press and up-tempo style commonly used today by many basketball coaches around the world. The final result was an impressive 88-44 win for McLendon's squad.
 
For more information about the NCAA Theodore Roosevelt Award, visit ncaa.org.