Early Life and Education
Reed was born in 1942 in Hico, Louisiana and named after his father. He grew up on a farm in nearby Bernice. His parents worked to ensure Reed got an education in the segregated South. Reed showed athletic ability at an early age and played basketball at West Side High School in Lillie.
He attended Grambling State University, a historically black college. Reed amassed 2,280 career points, averaging 26.6 points and 21.3 rebounds during his senior year. He led the college to one NAIA title and three Southwestern Athletic Conference Championships. Reed also became a member of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.
Read more about this topic: Willis Reed
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