Thomas L. Reeves guided the Fayetteville State University men’s basketball team from the bottom of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) to one of the all-time powers in just three seasons.
The personable basketball mentor, best known throughout the sports world for his flashing smile and white-shiny boots when he appeared at basketball games.
A few months before his death (August 29), Reeves led the Broncos to the coveted 1973 CIAA Tourney Crown at Greensboro, NC in February. FSU also finished third in the NCAA College Division Regionals at Salem, Virginia. The championship squad finished the year 21-11 overall.
A native of Tarboro, NC, born on February 14, 1925, Reeves is a graduate of Shaw University, where he was an all-time athletic great having participated in football, basketball, baseball, and track. Playing at the guard position, he was a member of Shaw’s 1947 CIAA Football Championship team.
Twice, Reeves was chosen “CIAA Most Outstanding Tourney Coach” in successive years, 1972 and 1973.
In the 1973 CIAA Tournament, Reeves guided his squad to its first and only Tourney Crown beating Norfolk State College in overtime, 94-89.
Under Reeves’ tutelage, the Bronco Basketball squad entered their first post-season small college NCAA playoffs when they played Eckerd College, Old Dominion University, and Loyola of Baltimore. The Broncos fared well in the play-offs defeating Eckerd, 95-66, losing to ODU, 80-74, and crushing Loyola of Baltimore, 81-66.
The Tarboro native was a member of the Marine Corps from 1950-53 and was selected to both the All-Marine and All-Navy teams.
40th Anniversary of 1973 Championship Team
