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Cliff Hagan, a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer who claimed both collegiate and professional titles, died on Thursday at 94. No cause of death was provided.
Hagan's place in NBA history is partly defined by a blockbuster 1956 trade: the Celtics, who had drafted him in 1953, sent his rights along with fellow Hall of Famer Ed Macauley to the St. Louis Hawks in exchange for the rights to Bill Russell, whom the Hawks selected second overall in that year's draft. Hagan, a third-round pick, never suited up for Boston; he served in the U.S. Air Force from 1953 to 1956 before joining the Hawks.
Over a 10-year NBA career spent entirely with St. Louis, Hagan earned five All-Star selections and two All-NBA nods. He played a key role in the franchise's 1958 NBA championship, defeating the Celtics. In 839 NBA games, he averaged 17.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists before retiring after the 1969-70 season.
Before turning professional, Hagan starred at Kentucky under legendary coach Adolph Rupp, twice earning consensus All-American honors. He helped the Wildcats capture the 1951 national championship and led them to a perfect 25-0 record in 1953-54. That season, Kentucky declined an NCAA Tournament invitation because eligibility rules barred Hagan and two other graduated players from competing. The Wildcats went 86-5 during Hagan's three varsity seasons.
The 6-foot-4 forward once poured in 26 points in a single fourth quarter against the New York Knicks in 1958.
Hagan returned to Kentucky as athletics director in 1975 and served until 1988. During his tenure, the school won the 1978 men's basketball national championship, led by Jack Givens and Rick Robey. In 1978, Hagan became the first former Kentucky player inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. His No. 6 jersey is retired by the university, and he was enshrined in the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
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Current Kentucky athletics director and Champions Blue CEO J Batt praised Hagan's wide-ranging impact: "Few people have impacted Kentucky Athletics in as many ways as Cliff Hagan. He represented Kentucky as a champion, Hall of Famer and Athletics Director, leaving a legacy that continues to shape this department. It is an honor to follow in his footsteps and to help carry forward the standard he set. Big Blue Nation will always be grateful for Cliff and all he gave to Kentucky. Our thoughts are with the Hagan family."
Originally reported by nypost.