Louis Dunbar
Louis "Sweet Lou" Dunbar (born August 8, 1953) is an American basketball executive, coach, and former professional player renowned for his 27-season tenure as a performer with the Harlem Globetrotters, where he became one of the team's most iconic showmen.[1][2] Born in Minden, Louisiana, Dunbar starred at Webster High School, where he was named Louisiana’s Mr. Basketball.[1][2] At the University of Houston from 1972 to 1975, he played as a forward, averaging 22.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game across his college career.[1][3] Although selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the fourth round (59th overall) of the 1975 NBA draft, Dunbar did not play in the league and instead competed professionally overseas for SP Federale Lugano in Switzerland from 1975 to 1977, helping the team win the Swiss Basketball League championship in 1976.[1][3] Dunbar joined the Harlem Globetrotters in 1977, wearing jersey number 41 and performing alongside legends such as Meadowlark Lemon, Marques Haynes, Fred "Curly" Neal, and Hubert "Geese" Ausbie during his 27 years as a player.[1][2] Standing at 6-foot-9, he was celebrated for his athleticism, ball-handling skills, and entertaining style, appearing on television shows including The Love Boat, The White Shadow, and Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan’s Island.[1] In recognition of his contributions, the Globetrotters retired his number 41 in February 2019, an honor shared by only eight players in the organization's history.[1] Dunbar was inducted into the Houston Hall of Honor in 2008 and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2021 for his collegiate and professional achievements.[1][4] As of 2025, in his 48th year with the Globetrotters, he serves as Director of Player Personnel and coach, continuing to shape the team while his son, Louis Dunbar II ("Sweet Lou II"), carries on the family legacy as a current player wearing number 41.[1]Early years
Louis Dunbar was born on August 8, 1953, in Minden, Louisiana.[1][2]High school career
Louis Dunbar attended Webster High School in Minden, Louisiana, where he emerged as a standout basketball player during his high school career.[4] As a senior in 1971, he led the team to a 34-1 record and the Class AA state championship, defeating Franklinton 75-68 in the title game.[5][6] Dunbar's performance in the championship game was pivotal, as he scored 49 points to secure the victory and the school's first and only state title in basketball.[7][4] Throughout his senior season, he averaged 26 points and 12 rebounds per game, showcasing his versatility as a 6-foot-9 forward.[4] His scoring prowess was evident in key tournament games, including 41 points and 19 rebounds in the Class AA semifinal.[5] Recognized as one of the top players in the state, Dunbar was named Louisiana Mr. Basketball and earned Most Valuable Player honors in the state all-star game, where he scored 33 points.[8][5] These accolades highlighted his status as the premier high school recruit in Louisiana, drawing attention from major college programs.[9]College career
Louis Dunbar played college basketball for the Houston Cougars at the University of Houston from 1972 to 1975, serving as a three-year letterman under head coach Guy V. Lewis.[7] As a 6-foot-9 forward, he quickly emerged as a key offensive contributor, leading the team in scoring during his first two seasons and averaging a career 22.3 points per game while grabbing 7.7 rebounds per game overall.[7] His scoring prowess placed him among the nation's top performers, ranking 34th in 1974 and 17th in 1975.[10] Dunbar's statistical output improved each year, reflecting his growing dominance. In his sophomore season of 1972-73, he averaged 20.9 points and 5.3 rebounds across 27 games.[11] As a junior in 1973-74, he boosted those figures to 21.7 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, shooting 45.8% from the field while dishing out 4.5 assists per contest.[7] His senior year in 1974-75 marked a career high, with 24.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists over 26 games, contributing to a total of 1,765 career points that ranks sixth in program history.[11][7] A highlight of Dunbar's college tenure was the Cougars' appearance in the 1973 NCAA Tournament, where they earned a first-round bid after a 23-4 regular season that included a No. 13 final AP ranking. In the tournament game against Southwestern Louisiana on March 10, 1973, Dunbar scored 27 points on 11-of-26 shooting but the Cougars fell 89-102.[12] Over his three seasons, Dunbar helped lead Houston to 56 total wins.[7] His standout junior campaign earned him Third Team All-America honors.[7] In recognition of his contributions, Dunbar was inducted into the University of Houston Athletics Hall of Honor in 2008.[13]| Season | Games | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1972-73 | 27 | 20.9 | 5.3 | 4.1 | .463 |
| 1973-74 | 26 | 21.7 | 8.5 | 4.5 | .458 |
| 1974-75 | 26 | 24.3 | 9.3 | 3.6 | .481 |
| Career | 79 | 22.3 | 7.7 | 4.1 | .469 |