Elmer Austin

Elmer M. Austin Jr. (December 11, 1949 – December 28, 2023) was an American basketball player. He played college basketball for the North Carolina A&T Aggies and was the inaugural Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year in 1972.

Early life Austin was born in Greensboro, North Carolina, to parents Elmer and Dorothy Austin. He attended James B. Dudley High School and initially pursued football until he was coerced by others into playing basketball. Austin averaged over 20 points per game during his prep career and received interest from 10 colleges.

The Aggies moved to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) for its debut season in 1971–72. Austin led the team to the first MEAC championship while averaging a team-high 21.3 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. He was selected as the inaugural MEAC Player of the Year.

Austin graduated with a degree in physical education. He tried out for professional clubs and the United States men's national basketball team after the 1972 NBA draft.

Personal life and death Austin had three children with his wife. He died in Greensboro, North Carolina on December 28, 2023, at the age of 74.