CHICAGO (August 24, 2021) – Loyola University Chicago is mourning the passing of Jerry Harkness, a two-time All-American and captain of the Ramblers' 1963 men's basketball team that captured the NCAA championship. Harkness passed away early this morning at the age of 81.
 
"All of us at Loyola have heavy hearts today," Loyola men's basketball coach Drew Valentine said. "Jerry was a true trail blazer not only in basketball, but in so many different walks of life, and the impact he made was immeasurable." 
 
"We are deeply saddened to have lost not only one of Loyola's all-time great players, but also one of its all-time great human beings. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, former teammates and countless friends," said Loyola Director of Athletics Steve Watson.
 
A native of Bronx, N.Y., Harkness currently ranks sixth in program history with 1,749 points and in the Ramblers' national championship season in 1962-63, provided 21.4 points per game and shot 50.4 percent (244-for-484) from the floor as high-scoring Loyola posted a 29-2 overall record. 
 
However, despite the national title that year, Harkness may be most remembered for his role in the legendary "Game of Change," when Loyola faced Mississippi State in the NCAA Regional Semifinals in East Lansing, Mich. Harkness was one of four Black starters on Loyola's team and although state laws forbade Mississippi State from playing integrated teams, the Maroons snuck out of town under the cover of darkness to play the game. Prior to tip-off, Harkness and Mississippi State captain Joe Dan Gold shook hands at center court in what would become an iconic photo.
 
Harkness, who was encouraged to take up basketball by Baseball Hall of Famer and trail blazer Jackie Robinson, was drafted by the New York Knicks in the second round of the 1963 NBA Draft and played one season for them before playing two years with the Indiana Pacers in the ABA. His buzzer-beating, 92-foot shot during the 1967-68 season lifted the Pacers to a victory and to this day it remains the longest shot ever made in a professional basketball game in the United States.
 
Once his basketball career came to an end, Harkness went on to a successful career in business and broadcasting. The first African-American salesman for Quaker Oats, Harkness also worked for the United Way of Greater Indianapolis and ran an athletic shoe franchise. He also had a stint as a sportscaster for WLWI in Indianapolis.
 
"As soon as I learned the story of the 1963 Ramblers basketball team, Jerry became one of my role models," current Loyola guard and graduate student Lucas Williamson said. "He will be deeply missed and forever remembered as one of the best to wear a Loyola jersey."

"Jerry Harkness was a pioneer who excelled in athletics and in life," said Loyola President Dr. Jo Ann Rooney. "He embodied courage, compassion, and a quiet passion for justice. He cleared the path for others and lifted them up through a lifetime of professional achievement and good works. I count myself among many Ramblers who got to know Jerry and have been inspired by his passion, warmth, and optimism.  We will always hold his legacy close to our hearts. Along with our entire Loyola community, I offer my condolences and prayers to Jerry's wife Sarah, and his children, Jerald and Julie."
 
A member of the Loyola Athletics Hall of Fame, the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame, the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame and the College Basketball Hall of Fame, Harkness is survived by his wife, Sarah, and children, Jerald and Julie. Visitation will be held Thursday, Sept. 2 from 2 - 7 p.m. ET at Lavenia and Summers Funeral Home, 5811 East 38th Street, Indianapolis, Ind. Funeral services will take place Friday, Sept. 3 at 11 a.m. ET at Grace Apostolic Church, 629 East 22nd Street, Indianapolis, Ind., with additional visitation at the church from 9 - 11 a.m. ET.
 
Fans will have opportunities to learn more about Jerry Harkness' legacy in the upcoming documentary "The Loyola Project."

Read more about Jerry Harkness' legacy in these articles.

A Game That Should Not Be Forgotten 

Loyola's Final Four Run Prompts Jerry Harkness to Recall Game of Change

Jerry Harkness Plays Game Changing Role in Basketball History

1963 Loyola Ramblers Remembered for NCAA Championship and Inspiring Social Change