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Oklahoma basketball pioneer ‘Buddy’ Hudson, 75, passes away

hudson

Oklahoma Athletic Communications/Kansas City Star

The name Harold “Buddy” Hudson may not be one that immediately sparks vivid memories amongst older college basketball fans, but the name is a very important one in the history of Oklahoma Basketball.

Tuesday morning Hudson suffered a heart attack and passed away in Kansas City at the age of 75. Hudson is survived by his wife, Elaine, and their two sons.

Hudson and high school teammate Joe Lee Thompson were the first African-American players in the history of the program, with Hudson playing for the Sooners from 1958-60.

Hudson, who according to College Hoopedia averaged 5.1 points and 3.0 rebounds per game in his two seasons at OU, saw his first action as a Sooner in Oklahoma’s 73-64 loss to Texas Tech to begin the 1958-59 campaign.

Raphielle can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.