Ernie Drew "Black Jack" Barrett (August 27, 1929 – April 21, 2023) was an American professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Kansas State Wildcats. He was selected by the Celtics in the first round of the 1951 NBA draft with the seventh overall pick.
College and professional career
Barrett was recruited by coaches including, Phog Allen and Henry Iba, but he chose to attend Kansas State University to play for Jack Gardner and Tex Winter in 1947.
Barrett led the Wildcats to the national championship game in 1951. He suffered a shoulder injury in the semi-finals against Oklahoma A&M, and his injury heavily impacted the Wildcats, who lost in the title game.
Barrett was selected by the Boston Celtics in the 1st round (7th pick overall) of the 1951 NBA draft and played for the Celtics (1953–54, 1955–56) in the NBA for 131 games.
Personal life and death
A local restaurant, is named Mr. K’s in Barrett's honor. He helped raise money for many athletic facilities that are still in use. He has a statue, which depicts him extending his right arm for a handshake.
Barrett died in Manhattan, Kansas, on April 21, 2023, at the age of 93.