Billy Ray Hobley Foundation
Billy Ray Hobley Scholarship Fund
Billy Ray Hobley arrived in New Orleans in 1973 after a standout career at at James A. Shanks High School in Quincy, Fl. The 6-foot -8 inch Hobley was known for his outstanding ball handling, backboard-rattling dunks, and his big playability. During the 1975-76 season, Hobley scored 612 points in 27 games, averaging 22.6 points per game for the Bleu Devils. His exceptional play earned him recognition as the team’s Offensive Player of the Year.
In his final season with the Bleu Devils, Dillard coach John O. Brown informed Hobley that the world famous Harlem Globetrotters had been scouting him for some time and wanted Hobley to attend a camp. Hobley instead focused on completing his studies, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education the following spring. With his diploma now in hand, Hobley felt free to pursue his dreams of playing basketball as a professional. He went on to play in the New Orleans professional basketball league where he averaged nearly 40 points per game. The Globetrotters, still very interested in Hobley’s talents, brought him to a special camp and signed him on the spot to a 3-year contract at the age of 21.
Over the years, Hobley’s special combination of talent and personality captivated audiences around the world. His teammates nicknamed him “Supertrotter”, a well-earned title after he traversed the globe six times in his 22 seasons with the Globetrotters, the last coming in 1998.
Hobley returned to New Orleans and to Dillard after his playing career ended. He served as an assistant men’s basketball coach before assuming head coaching duties. In 2000, he led the Bleu Devils to the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference championship and in 2001, was named the conference’s Coach of the Year. He also gave back through his work with numerous charitable foundations, including his own, the Billy Ray Hobley A.S.K. Foundation.
Billy Ray Hobley passed away in 2002, but his spirit lives on through his family, the countless lives he touches throughout his career; and of course through the Scholarship Fund that bears
his name. In 2011, he was posthumously honored as just one of 29 recipients of the Harlem Globetrotters “Legends” award. Proceeds from the Billy Ray Hobley Scholarship Fund benefit Dillard athletic scholarships.
