Charlie T. Black

Sport: Men's Basketball 1923-24

Charlie Black played for Kansas from 1922-24. A two time all-conference and All-American selection, the Jayhawks compiled a record of 49-6 during his three years in Crimson and Blue.

Black became eligible to play for the Jayhawks in time for the 1922 season. That year, Kansas posted a 16-2 record, its best mark since the 1915 season. Kansas tied for the top spot in the Missouri Valley Conference with Missouri at 15-1. It was the first of six consecutive conference titles for Kansas.

Black was inserted into the starting line-up by coach "Phog" Allen and was an important reason behind the team's success. He played in the Jayhawks' backcourt alongside Paul Endacott, who also has his jersey retired at Kansas. Together, they helped lead KU to the 1922 and 1923 Helms Foundation National Championships.

In 1923 the Jayhawks were 16-0 in the Missouri Valley Conference and 17-1 overall. Black was again an important contributor on the Jayhawks second national title team in as many years. He earned all-conference and All-American honors.

Black's contributions to the team came in ways other than scoring. At the time, the Jayhawks and Coach Allen were noted for their intense defensive style and ball control offense. And Black's role was pivotal to the team's success.

In the 1924 season, Black was an all-conference and All-American performer for the second consecutive year. Although they failed to win their third national title, the Jayhawks finished the season at 16-3 and were champs of the Missouri Valley for the third time during Black's three year Kansas career.

After leaving Kansas, Black eventually made his way to the University of Nebraska. Black was the head coach for the Cornhuskers for six seasons, from 1927-32. During his time in Lincoln, the Huskers were 51-57. Fortunately for Kansas fans, Black did not fair any better against his alma mater, as his Cornhuskers posted a 5-7 record versus the Jayhawks while Black was at their helm.

Black's jersey was one of seven Jayhawk jerseys retired during the 1992 season.