Players

Melvin Davis

Year Inducted: 2019

Category: Players

Schools / Organizations: (Chicago) Dunbar High School
Tennessee State University
The Harlem Globetrotters

Biography: As a prep standout at (Chicago) Dunbar High School, Melvin was named to the 1955-56 Chicago Sun Times all-area team and was a 2nd team all-state player selection.  He played collegiately at Tennessee State University where he played on three consecutive NAIA National Championship teams.  Melvin played briefly in the ABL.  When the ABL disbanded durng the 1962-63 season, many players were accepted into the NBA.  Melvin, however, chose to take Abe Saperstein’s (HOF Friend of Basketball, 1973) offer to join the Harlem Globetrotters.  In 1972 season, Melvin was asked to be the player-coach the squad.  After suffering a career ending injury in 1979, Melvin returned to his home town where he founded Mel Davis Youth Foundation providing after-school basketball and academic instruction for you players.  Participants have included Isaiah Thomas( HoF Player inductee in 1985) and Glenn “Doc” Rivers (HOF player inductee in 1988).  Melvin Davis died on December 21, 2021.