News Summary

The 51st Annual Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches Awards Banquet recently took place in Baton Rouge, celebrating the achievements of basketball icons. Highlights included the induction of Ledell Eackles, Bo McCalebb, and Elfrid Payton into the Louisiana Basketball Hall of Fame. Additional awards recognized top players and coaches across various levels, emphasizing the ongoing legacy and spirit of basketball in Louisiana. The evening concluded with heartfelt tributes to those who inspire future generations of athletes.

Louisiana Celebrates Basketball Legends at Annual Awards Banquet

This past weekend, the vibrant city of Baton Rouge played host to a star-studded event filled with excitement and camaraderie as the 51st Annual Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches Awards Banquet took place. It was a night dedicated to honoring remarkable achievements in the world of basketball, with a spotlight on some incredible individuals who have made their mark on the game in Louisiana.

New Inductees to the Louisiana Basketball Hall of Fame

One of the most thrilling highlights of the evening was the induction of three basketball greats into the Louisiana Basketball Hall of Fame: *Ledell Eackles*, *Bo McCalebb*, and *Elfrid Payton*. Each inductee has woven a tale of success and grit that reflects the very essence of Louisiana basketball.

Let’s take a look at Ledell Eackles. His impressive career at the University of New Orleans from 1986 to 1988 saw him shine as a player. Eackles was no stranger to accolades, bagging the titles of *Louisiana Player of the Year* and *Newcomer of the Year* in 1987. He played a pivotal role in leading UNO to its only *NCAA Division I Tournament victory* in 1987, boasting a whopping average of 23.0 points per game, making him the third-leading scorer in UNO history with 1,358 points. After his tenure, he was selected in the second round of the 1988 *NBA Draft* by the *Washington Bullets*, marking the beginning of an exciting pro career.

Moving on to Bo McCalebb, a stellar player at the same university from 2003 to 2008, his performance was nothing short of extraordinary. With 2,679 points, he is not only the leading scorer in UNO history but also holds the record for the *Sun Belt Conference*. His professional journey took him around the globe and even featured a stint with *Macedonia’s national team*, further highlighting his dedication to the sport.

Last but certainly not least, we have Elfrid Payton, who showcased his talents at the *University of Louisiana at Lafayette* from 2011 to 2014. He was rightfully named *Louisiana Player of the Year* and earned the title of *CollegeInsider National Defensive Player of the Year* in 2014. With over 500 games under his belt in the NBA, his remarkable career continues to soar.

Honoring Exceptional Coaches

A key moment in the ceremony was the recognition of outstanding coaches, particularly Charles Smith, who received the coveted *Mr. Louisiana Basketball* award for his years of commitment to the sport as the long-time coach of *Peabody Magnet High School*. With over 1,200 wins and nine state championships in his 40-year career, Smith is celebrated as Louisiana’s all-time winningest high school coach. His remarkable contributions earned him a place in the *Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame*, cementing his legacy in the hearts of basketball fans.

Acknowledging Top Players and Coaches

The banquet also honored many other exceptional athletes and coaches. The prestigious *Pete Maravich Memorial Award* for Major College Player of the Year was awarded to Javohn Garcia from McNeese State, while Will Wade of McNeese State was recognized as the *Major College Coach of the Year*. In the small college category, Kashie Natt from LSU-Alexandria received the *Louisiana Small College Player of the Year* accolade, and Dimario Jackson, also from LSU-Alexandria, was named *Louisiana Small College Coach of the Year*.

Recognizing the talent at the junior college level, Kialen Phillips took home the award for *Louisiana Junior College Player of the Year*, and Byron Starks was awarded the title of *Louisiana Junior College Coach of the Year*.

Spotlight on High School Recognitions

Of course, the young stars were also celebrated, with awards presented to standout high school players like Ahmad Hudson, who made his mark in Class AAAAA, and Drew Timmons, who excelled in Class AAAA. The evening also honored outstanding coaches such as Wade Mason of *St. Augustine* and Casey Jones of *Wossman*, recognizing their dedication and leadership.

As the night came to a close, it was evident that the spirit of basketball is alive and well in Louisiana. Each inductee, award winner, and honoree shared a common thread: a love for the game that inspires future generations. The laughter, applause, and joy at this year’s banquet were truly a celebration of the lasting legacy of basketball in the state.

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