CIAA Hall of Fame Members
Leroy "Lanky" Banks is the 1947 CIAA Basketball Tournament MVP and a member of the 2nd Annual CIAA Basketball Tournament Championship Team, the Trojans of Virginia State University. The Trojans, led by the legendary Harry "Big Jeff" Jefferson, defeated North Carolina Central University, 54-47; with Banks leading the way with 18 points. Lanky, the center for the Trojans, was described by a reporter, as "...a great pivot man. Lanky shoots with either hand, and usually hits the hoop when points are most needed." During Banks' senior year at home, versus Hampton University, he hit 15 points in the first half and had a game total of 35 points. This was before the 3-point line. After graduating from VSU, Banks was drafted and played for the Utica Pros of the American Basketball Association.