Lloyd Neal

Lloyd Neal, born December 10, 1950, in Talbotton, Georgia, is an American former professional basketball player. A 6'7" center and power forward out of Tennessee State University, Neal spent his entire professional career, from 1972 to 1979, with the National Basketball Association's Portland Trail Blazers. Though undersized for his position, he endeared himself to fans with his hard work and tenacity. As a rookie in the 1972–73 season he averaged a double-double, posting 13.4 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. A knee injury cut his career short in 1979, and the Trail Blazers retired his #36 jersey. Neal finished his college degree in 1980 and went on to a long career with the Internal Revenue Service in Portland before retiring.