Oklahoma State University Athletics
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Paving the Way: L.C. Gordon’s Impact on OSU Men’s Basketball
February 08, 2022 | Cowboy Basketball
As we venture through Black History Month, it's important to honor the legacy of those who paved the way in Oklahoma State Athletics. Lavalius Cyrone Gordon did that and more during his time as a Cowboy.
Better known as L.C., Gordon is a key part of the history of Oklahoma State Athletics as he would become the first Black men's basketball player in school history, as he joined the squad in 1958 under the guidance of historic head coach Mr. Henry Iba.
"The first guy, it's always rough," Gordon told The Oklahoman's Jenni Carlson in 2013. "But going in, I knew that."
After arriving on campus from Memphis, Tenn. in 1957 having never visited Stillwater prior to the day he got there, Gordon turned out to be a great fit for Mr. Iba's teams throughout his career in the orange and black.
Throughout his Cowboy playing days, Gordon wasn't known for his scoring, but standing at 6-foot-1, he soon became known as the best defender on the Cowboy roster.
"I jumped at the opportunity to play for a man of that stature," Gordon continued with Carlson in reference to Mr. Iba. "I was so happy that I was able to play for him."
Earning the status of Mr. Iba's right-hand man, Gordon famously showcased his defensive ability in Lawrence, Kan., in 1961 when he held Kansas standout Al Correll to three points in OSU's upset win over the third-ranked Jayhawks.
"Although most of the time having to give up 3 to 5 inches in height," the Daily O'Collegian wrote in March 1961 before his last home game as a senior, "Gordon has been excellent on his guarding assignments."
Thanks in part to Gordon's defensive efforts, the Cowboys closed his senior year with four-straight wins, including a riveting 68-62 win over in-state rival Oklahoman in double-overtime. He closed his career with 20 starts in 49 games played.
After graduating from the university in 1961 with a degree in secondary education, Gordon served as a head coach at both the high school and collegiate levels for most of his career, and even helped organize the Memphis OSU Alumni Chapter.
"I made good of (my time at OSU)," he told Carlson. "I was just so blessed."
Gordon was named head coach of the Texas Southern Tigers in 1969 after serving as the basketball coach at Carver High School in Memphis the three previous years. He amassed a 63–43 record over four seasons during his time leading up the program.
In 2013, Gordon was named the grand marshal of Homecoming 2013: 'Branding a Brighter Orange.'
Without Gordon's bravery and courage, Oklahoma State men's basketball would not be where it is today, breaking barriers and having an all-black coaching staff.
For more information on Gordon, and other OSU trailblazers throughout Black History Month, continue to check back with okstate.com.
Better known as L.C., Gordon is a key part of the history of Oklahoma State Athletics as he would become the first Black men's basketball player in school history, as he joined the squad in 1958 under the guidance of historic head coach Mr. Henry Iba.
"The first guy, it's always rough," Gordon told The Oklahoman's Jenni Carlson in 2013. "But going in, I knew that."
After arriving on campus from Memphis, Tenn. in 1957 having never visited Stillwater prior to the day he got there, Gordon turned out to be a great fit for Mr. Iba's teams throughout his career in the orange and black.
Throughout his Cowboy playing days, Gordon wasn't known for his scoring, but standing at 6-foot-1, he soon became known as the best defender on the Cowboy roster.
"I jumped at the opportunity to play for a man of that stature," Gordon continued with Carlson in reference to Mr. Iba. "I was so happy that I was able to play for him."
Earning the status of Mr. Iba's right-hand man, Gordon famously showcased his defensive ability in Lawrence, Kan., in 1961 when he held Kansas standout Al Correll to three points in OSU's upset win over the third-ranked Jayhawks.
"Although most of the time having to give up 3 to 5 inches in height," the Daily O'Collegian wrote in March 1961 before his last home game as a senior, "Gordon has been excellent on his guarding assignments."
Thanks in part to Gordon's defensive efforts, the Cowboys closed his senior year with four-straight wins, including a riveting 68-62 win over in-state rival Oklahoman in double-overtime. He closed his career with 20 starts in 49 games played.
After graduating from the university in 1961 with a degree in secondary education, Gordon served as a head coach at both the high school and collegiate levels for most of his career, and even helped organize the Memphis OSU Alumni Chapter.
"I made good of (my time at OSU)," he told Carlson. "I was just so blessed."
Gordon was named head coach of the Texas Southern Tigers in 1969 after serving as the basketball coach at Carver High School in Memphis the three previous years. He amassed a 63–43 record over four seasons during his time leading up the program.
In 2013, Gordon was named the grand marshal of Homecoming 2013: 'Branding a Brighter Orange.'
Without Gordon's bravery and courage, Oklahoma State men's basketball would not be where it is today, breaking barriers and having an all-black coaching staff.
For more information on Gordon, and other OSU trailblazers throughout Black History Month, continue to check back with okstate.com.
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