NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk State University athletics community is mourning the loss of legendary Spartan basketball player John McKinney III, who passed away on Saturday, April 5, at the age of 77.
One of the most talented student-athletes to don the green and gold uniform, McKinney played a pivotal role in the Norfolk State basketball program's rise to national prominence in the late 1960s. In just three years on the court, he accumulated 1,572 points and 923 rebounds while shooting 57.6 percent from the floor.
As a sophomore, McKinney helped lead Norfolk State to the 1968 CIAA regular season and tournament titles. He averaged 32.3 points per game during the 1969-70 season, earning Little All-American and All-CIAA First Team honors.
A Miami, Fla. product, McKinney shattered barriers well before he arrived on the Norfolk State University campus. Scoring over 700 points in a single season at Mays High School, he became the first African American to win the Dade County scoring race.
On Feb. 23, 1970, in one of the most iconic moments in NSU athletics history, McKinney scored 54 points in a 123-112 win over Old Dominion. The performance remains the most points ever scored by a Norfolk State player in a single game.
McKinney was drafted in the fourth round of the NBA Draft with the 55
th pick by the Boston Celtics in 1970, eventually
playing for the Milwaukee Muskies of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) and Dallas Chaparrals of the American Basketball Association (ABA).
McKinney's life will be honored in a private ceremony with his children, in accordance with his wishes. In lieu of flowers, donations and condolences may be sent to his eldest son, John B. McKinney IV, who is receiving them on behalf of the family at 786-359-5584.
