<Tr> <Th> By knockout </Th> <Td> </Td> </Tr> <P> Thomas Robert Payne (born November 19, 1950) is a former professional basketball player, professional boxer and a convicted serial rapist . </P> <P> A 7 - foot, 1 - inch center, Payne played with the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA during the 1971 - 1972 season . He was also the first African American ever to play basketball for the University of Kentucky . Payne is currently incarcerated in Kentucky State Reformatory in LaGrange, Kentucky . </P> <P> The eldest of nine children, Payne broke one record in birth; he was the longest baby ever born at the local hospital . He grew up in a home where academics were stressed; his father had attained the rank of master sergeant in the United States Army before retiring, and his mother had a bachelor's degree in biology . His eight siblings were also well - educated, with a total of fourteen college degrees . </P>

Who was the first black basketball player at the university of kentucky
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