Alva O. Duer Enshrined 1982 Sylvia, KS November 18, 1904 - November 18, 1987 Biography A man affectionately known as "Mr. NAIA," coach and administrator Alva Duer spent a quarter century working to improve intercollegiate basketball and promote equality in sports. Championing the NAIA's goal, "Athletics/ Education for Leadership, Character, Citizenship," Duer pioneered the integration of basketball with the inclusion of an all-black school in the 1954 tournament. A member of the AAU, and the U.S. Basketball Association Ethics Committee, Duer was appointed executive secretary to the NAIB in 1949 and he led the movement to change the organization's name to NAIA after the organization grew to more than 500 members. Toward the end of his career, Duer continued his work with the Olympic Committee and was on the board of directors of the Basketball Hall of Fame. Career Highlights Coached Pepperdine to NAIB Finals, 1945 Director and founder, NAIB/NAIA National Basketball Championship Tournament, 1949-75 Member, U.S. Basketball Association Ethics Committee, 1960-64 Board of Directors, U.S. Olympic Committee