Second black basketball player at Vanderbilt University dies at 72
Bill Ligon made history at Vanderbilt University and also in Sumner County where he was an attorney for several years
GALLATIN, Tenn. (WSMV) - Many across the Midstate sports community are mourning a basketball legend at Vanderbilt University.
This week Bill Ligon died at the age of 72. He made history when he became the second black player at the Nashville university.
Prior to that, Ligon attended Union High School, which was all Black, before integration. Despite the times, he formed an unlikely friendship with Eddie Sherlin, who was white and a star at Gallatin High.
“We had no idea they even knew each other,” Union teammate Joseph Malone recalled.
It’s a connection that would be on full display in the district title game against Gallatin, prior to the two schools integrating.
Despite losing, Ligon hugged Sherlin after the game.
“It probably was the best thing to ever happen to Gallatin because it might not have turned out the way if we would have won, it might have been a whole different ball game in Gallatin for a racial thinking,” Malone said.
Their friendship would end up inspiring an author to write a book about how the two came together despite the racial tension that had existed within the town.
Following high school, Ligon went to Vanderbilt University where he had a decorated career. After college, he would spent one season in the NBA.
Despite the success, loved one say he remained true to who he was.
“He was always receptive of everybody. Even though he had excelled so high, he made sure everyone he knew was up there with him. He brought you up as well,” Andrew Turner said.
A spirit that translated from the hardwood to the courtroom after serving as an attorney for several years in Gallatin where his legacy will remain.
“He was consistent on the basketball court, he was consistent on the football field, he was consistent and I’m glad our passed in my path,” Malone said.
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