American · Owensboro, Kentucky · Born 9 December 1931American basketball player who starred for the St. Louis Hawks, winning the 1958 NBA Championship and earning five All-Star selections during his career.
Clifford Oldham Hagan was born in Owensboro, Kentucky in 1931 and attended the University of Kentucky under coach Adolph Rupp, winning the NCAA championship in 1951. St. Louis Hawks selected him in the 1953 NBA Draft but his military service delayed his arrival until 1956. He won the NBA championship with St. Louis in 1958 — the only championship won by a non-Celtics, non-Lakers franchise in the 1950s. His 11 NBA seasons produced 18.0 points and 6.9 rebounds per game along with five All-Star appearances. He was named to the All-NBA Second Team three times. His hook shot — which he executed with either hand — was considered one of the two or three most reliable individual scoring moves of his era. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978. After his NBA career he played three additional seasons in the ABA. He later served as athletics director at the University of Kentucky, his alma mater, for over 15 years. His combination of scoring versatility, rebounding and championship success across his career places him among the important but often overlooked players of the NBA's formative competitive era.
Hook shot and key role in Hawks' 1958 NBA championship
How They Played
Skilled forward with deadly hook shot and strong inside game
Lasting Impact
Hall of Fame forward known for scoring prowess and championship leadership
Career Honours
- NBA Champion (1958)
- All-Star 5x
- All-NBA Second Team 3x
- Hall of Fame (1978)
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Hawks | 1956–1966 | 746 |
American Athletes