From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)

J. B. Brown, born in Washington, D.C., grew up in Fort Knox, KY and at one time considered Owensboro, KY his home.

While attending high school in Fort Knox, Brown set a record as state high jump champion. The 6'8" center was an All-America basketball player at Kentucky Wesleyan College (KWC) and a member of the team that won the 1987 NCAA Division II Championship. Brown, starting all but one game, was the second leading rebounder that season with 225 rebounds.

Brown went on to play ball with the Harlem Globetrotters from 1988-1995. He underwent a kidney transplant in 1996, then taught elementary school geography in Daviess County, KY in 1997. Upon his retirement, he lived in Radcliff, KY. He died Sept. 25, 2020.

For more see M. Graf, "J B Brown becomes a Harlem Globetrotter," Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer, 9/28/1988, p. 1B; N. Phillips, "Brother's kidney gives KWC star hope," Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer, 7/13/1996, p. A1; G. Lapaille, "Former Globetrotter bleeds green & gold," The Gold Standard, 7/31/2014; and his obituaries at the Chism Family Funeral Home website, The News Enterprise website, and the Messenger-Inquirer website.