LifestyleHistory Makers: Starting Five African Americans to Play in the NBA Sakina SpruellFebruary 11, 2015February 11, 2015 0 (Image: snipview.com) (Image: blackfives.org) Hank DeZonie: Tri-Cities Hawks Hank DeZonie signed with the Tri-Cities Hawks on December 3, 1950. Dezonie quick after only five games because of off-court racial discrimination, according to the NBA. 1 2 3 4 5