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GSU MBB 1975-76 SWAC Champ Willie Simmons, AD Simmons, Prez Larkin
GLENN LEWIS/GSU Sports Media-Yearbook

Athletics Events By BRANDON LaGARDE, GSU Sports Media

GSU 1975-76 SWAC Champions Recognized

Willie Simmons from GSU's 1975-76 SWAC tournament championship team shakes the hand of GSU President Willie Larkin during a Saturday brunch as GSU Interim AD Dr. Obadiah Simmons, center, introduces the two.

The Grambling State University legacy continued Saturday (February 27) as GSU fans were treated to a blast from the past when the 1975-1976 Men's basketball team -- the last to win a championship -- was honored as a part of a 40th anniversary victory recognition.

Former NBA player Larry Wright, the #14 overall pick for the Washington Bullets in 1976 when he went pro as a junior, was one of those players. He and others talked with the men's basketball team before their game against the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center. He and his teammates won the 1976 Southwestern Athletic Conference basketball championship, and Wright was named the SWAC Player of the Year.

"We talked to the guys in the dressing room," said Wright. "There's nothing more dear to my heart than Grambling State Universiity. When I came out of high school I could have gone anywhere in the nation, but I chose Grambling State University -- and 40 years later, if I had the chance to do it all over again, I would choose Grambling."

The university recognized the champs with a celebration brunch, a campus tour, a special visit with former assistant coach Hoard Willis and a half-time recognition that included several gifts.

"I thought it was awesome to get to meet a team that accomplished at Grambling," said head men's basketball coach Shawn Walker. "They had a chance to talk to the players before the game, and it's always great to be supported by the pioneers."

One of the most decorated GSU athletes in school history, Wright, who coached the Tigers during from 1990-1992 and again 1999-2008, is the father of Lance Wright, the football team life coach and pastor. While at GSU, he was named the SWAC freshman of the year and he was a two-time All-SWAC team player and a two-time first team NCAA Small College All-American.

The team included, from left to right, Theodis Johnson, Terry Sykes, Joe Jones, Larry Wilson, Robert Wade, Willie Simmons, Larry Wright and Herb Collins stand with Interim Athletic Director Obadiah Simmons.

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