Former Hornets Coach Littles Dies

Former Charlotte Hornets coach Gene Littles, who was the all-time leading scorer in High Point University men’s basketball history, has died at the age of 78.

In a statement released by the university, it was announced that Littles passed away on September 9, but no cause of death was stated. Memorial service information will be forthcoming at a later date.

Littles became an NBA assistant coach for the first time in 1986, with the Cleveland Cavaliers and became interim coach for the last 19 games of the season. In 1990, Littles became head coach of the Charlotte Hornets midway through the season and retained that position for the next year. He went on to become the assistant coach with the Denver Nuggets in 1994-95 and was named interim head coach 63 games into that season.

As a player, Littles was drafted by the Dallas Chaparrals of the ABA in 1969 and also was selected by the New York Knicks in the 5th round of the 1969 NBA Draft. Littles’ ABA rights were acquired by the Carolina Cougars. He earned a spot on the leagues all-rookie team as a starting point guard. Littles’ career came to an end with the Kentucky Colonels, who defeated the Indiana Pacers to win the 1975 ABA title.

Littles was a three-time All-American, who led High Point University to a program best 28-3 record and the quarterfinals of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Tournament in 1969. He was honored by having his jersey No. 14 retired by the university.

Littles went on to join the coaching staff at Appalachian State. He moved on to the head coach position at North Carolina A&T, where he propelled the Aggies to two Mid-Eastern Conference titles. Littles was awarded the NEAC Coach of the Year in 1979.

Coach Littles is a member of two separate hall of fames, the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame and the High Point University Hall of Fame.

The Charlotte Hornets released the following statement Tuesday:

“The Charlotte Hornets are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Gene Littles. Gene played an important role in the history of the Hornets and basketball in North Carolina. He served as an assistant coach during the team’s inaugural 1988-89 season, before being named the second head coach in Hornets history on January 31, 1990. Prior to becoming an NBA coach, Gene had a storied basketball career in the Carolinas, finishing as High Point University’s all-time leading scorer, playing five seasons professionally with the Carolina Cougars of the ABA and leading North Carolina A&T to a pair of MEAC Championships as head coach. Our thoughts are with Gene’s family and friends during this time.”