Lou Hudson

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16 Mar 2024

Lou Hudson

Lou Hudson's athletic prowess was evident early on, as he excelled in multiple sports during his high school years at James B. Dudley High School in Greensboro, North Carolina. Graduating in 1962, Hudson left a lasting legacy as a versatile athlete, participating in football, basketball, baseball, and track.
As a four-sport athlete, Hudson showcased his talents across various disciplines, demonstrating exceptional athleticism and skill in each endeavor. His versatility and proficiency in multiple sports earned him admiration from teammates and peers alike.
According to his Dudley High School teammate Charlie Sanders, who later achieved NFL Hall of Fame recognition, Hudson's impact extended beyond the basketball court. Sanders credited Hudson's athletic abilities and influence as instrumental in shaping his own athletic aspirations, highlighting Hudson's role in inspiring his pursuit of athletics.
Hudson's remarkable abilities left a lasting impression on those around him, motivating others to emulate his success and pursue excellence in their own athletic endeavors. His legacy as a multi-sport standout at Dudley High School laid the foundation for his future accomplishments and solidified his status as a revered figure in sports.

Lou Hudson's collegiate career at the University of Minnesota was marked by his exceptional talent and contributions to the basketball program. Joining the university in 1964 as part of the first black recruiting class alongside Archie Clark and Don Yates, Hudson quickly established himself as a standout player.
In his varsity debut during the 1963–1964 season, Hudson wasted no time in showcasing his abilities, leading the team with an average of 18.1 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. Despite his impressive performance, Minnesota finished the season with a respectable 17–7 record under the guidance of Hall of Fame Coach John Kundla.

During his junior year in 1964–1965, Hudson's star continued to rise as he elevated his game to new heights. Averaging an impressive 24.8 points and 10.7 rebounds per game, he earned recognition as an All-American and secured a spot on the First Team All-Big Ten. Minnesota finished the season with a 19–5 record, solidifying their position as contenders in the Big Ten Conference.
Despite facing adversity during his senior year, where he broke his right hand and missed several games, Hudson displayed resilience and determination. Playing with his right hand in a cast, he adapted by shooting left-handed and continued to lead the Golden Gophers, averaging 19.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.
Hudson concluded his collegiate career with impressive statistics, averaging 20.4 points and 8.9 rebounds while shooting 47% from the field across 65 games at Minnesota. His contributions to the university's basketball program left a lasting legacy, solidifying his reputation as one of the most talented players in Golden Gophers history.

Lou Hudson's NBA career was marked by consistent excellence and remarkable scoring ability. Drafted by the St. Louis Hawks (later the Atlanta Hawks) as the 4th pick of the 1966 NBA draft, Hudson quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the court.
During his rookie season, Hudson wasted no time making an impact, averaging 18.4 points per game and earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Team. He played alongside basketball legends like Lenny Wilkens, Zelmo Beaty, and Richie Guerin, helping the Hawks advance to the Western Division Finals.
Hudson's versatility as both a guard and a forward, combined with his scoring prowess, made him a valuable asset for the Hawks. He consistently averaged over 20 points per game and earned multiple All-Star selections throughout his career.

One of Hudson's standout performances came during the 1969-1970 season when he averaged 25.4 points per game and made his second NBA All-Star Team. He set a franchise record by scoring 57 points in a single game against the Chicago Bulls.
Hudson continued to shine in subsequent seasons, averaging over 24 points per game for five consecutive years. Despite facing challenges such as injuries and coaching changes, he remained a dominant presence on the court.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the game, Hudson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992. His impact on the Atlanta Hawks franchise and the NBA as a whole solidified his legacy as one of the greatest players of his era.

After being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1977, Lou Hudson continued to contribute to his team's success despite entering the twilight of his career. Playing alongside a talented roster that included future Hall of Famers like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Adrian Dantley, and Jamaal Wilkes, as well as skilled players like Norm Nixon and Michael Cooper, Hudson provided valuable scoring and veteran leadership.
During his first season with the Lakers, Hudson averaged 13.7 points, showcasing his scoring ability and versatility on the court. Despite a solid regular season performance, the Lakers fell short in the playoffs, losing to the Seattle SuperSonics in the Western Conference playoffs.

In his final NBA season in 1978-1979, Hudson continued to contribute off the bench, averaging 9.8 points per game. Although the Lakers managed to advance past the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs, they were ultimately defeated by the Seattle SuperSonics in the Western Conference Semifinals.
Despite the Lakers' playoff disappointment in Hudson's tenure, his contributions to the team were valued, and his experience and skill added depth to the roster. After his retirement from professional basketball, Hudson's legacy as a prolific scorer and respected veteran endured, solidifying his place in NBA history.