Wayne Embry, a 1958 Miami University graduate, was once again honored by the National Basketball Association. On Monday, April 11, the NBA announced six new awards to be presented to the teams which win each of the league's six divisions (Atlantic, Central, Southeast, Southwest Northwest and Pacific). All six divisions are being named after pioneering Black players drawn from the 75 years of league history.
Central Division: Wayne Embry Trophy
Atlantic Division: Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton Trophy
Southeast Division: Earl Lloyd Trophy
Southwest Division: Willis Reed Trophy
Northwest Division: Sam Jones Trophy
Pacific Division: Chuck Cooper Trophy
Embry scored 1,401 points during his Miami career, still ranking among the university's top 12 all-time career scorers more than 40 years later. Even more impressive, his 1,117 rebounds still rank second all-time at Miami. Inducted into Miami University's Athletics Hall of Fame in 1970, Embry is one of only six Miami men's basketball players to have his number retired.
He went on to serve his alma mater's Board of Trustees for 14 years, including one year as chairman of the board. His service further included the College of Education, Health and Society's advisory board, with his late wife, Terri; as well as the steering committees for Miami's Campaign for Love and Honor and Graduating Champions Campaign.
Embry received the university's Distinguished Achievement Medal in 2001 and its Intercollegiate Athletics Inclusive Excellence Award in 2019.
Embry's more than 50-year NBA career began as a player for the Cincinnati in 1958. He was the team's standout center until joining the Boston Celtics in 1966. He concluded his playing career in 1969 as the Milwaukee Bucks' first-ever team captain.
His NBA playing career included five selections to the All-Star team and a 1968 NBA title with the Celtics. Known as "The Wall" for his 6-foot-8, 240-pound frame and ability to set solid picks, Embry appeared in 831 regular-season NBA games, averaging 12.5 points and 9.1 rebounds.
Following his final season playing with the Bucks, Embry became the team's general manager and the NBA's first African American general manager in 1972. During his eight seasons as general manager, the Bucks made four playoff appearances.
In 1985, Embry became vice president and general manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers, establishing one of the NBA's winningest franchises throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. Under his leadership, the team achieved four post-season appearances. He ascended to the role of Cavaliers' executive vice president in 1992 and, in 1994, became team president and chief operating officer – the first African American to hold these roles in NBA history.
In 2004, Embry became senior basketball advisor to the president of the Toronto Raptors, a position in which he continues to serve. He acted as interim general manager in 2006 and played a critical role in the Raptors' 2019 NBA championship.
