Larry Jeffries

One of the main reasons for Trinity’s massive success was contributions from their star player, Larry Jeffries. Born in Alton, Illinois, Jeffries came to Trinity from a long way away (Jeffries Heads Basketball Talent for '68-'69 Tiger). This fact, along with his busy basketball schedule, only allowed him about two trips home per year (Salinas, 1968). In addition to being a black student on a predominantly white campus, not being able to go home often is something that could make Jeffries’ experience at Trinity somewhat difficult. Despite these issues, Jeffries was unaffected on the basketball court. He had a dazzling overall career with loads of different accolades and accomplishments. Scoring almost 2,500 points in his career, Jeffries won two Southland Conference player of the year awards and was a first team all american his senior year (Trinity Star Unanimous All-SCL Pick, 1969). He scored the most points in the history of the Southland conference over the course of his career (2,454). Considering that Jeffries played during the only stretch of time when Trinity was a division one program, he more than likely the greatest player in the school’s history.

Jeffries finished his career as a two-time Southland Conference player of the year, a four time All-Conference selection, an All-American as a senior, Trinity’s all time leading scorer and Trinity’s second leading rebounder. He still holds the record as Trinity’s all time leading scorer, averaging 25.3 points per game over the course of his career. Jeffries was eventually selected in the 1969 NBA draft by the Detroit Pistons, one of two players in Trinity history to be selected in the draft. He was also selected in the ABA draft by the Denver Nuggets (Trinity University's Hall of Fame). Larry Jeffries career was unprecedented, especially at a school like Trinity. All his accomplishments and awards show how essential he was in Trinity’s success his senior season. It is amazing how one player can really revitalize and change the direction of a program. Jeffries was that guy for Trinity. He left a mark on the school that will likely never be matched again. It is indisputable that Jeffries was absolutely vital to the success of Trinity’s team in 1969 and rose the program to heights that it had never seen before and will never see again.