Cliff Hagan, a renowned figure in basketball who made his mark both professionally and in college with the St. Louis Hawks and the University of Kentucky, passed away on Thursday at the age of 94.
Details surrounding the cause of his death have not been provided.
Originally selected by the Celtics in the 1953 draft, Hagan was traded to the Hawks in 1956 along with fellow Hall of Famer Ed Macauley for the rights to Bill Russell, who was chosen second overall by St. Louis that year.
Hagan, picked in the third round, never actually played for the Celtics. Instead, he served in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1956 before making his debut with the Hawks.
Over his decade-long NBA career, entirely spent with St. Louis, Hagan became a five-time All-Star and a two-time All-NBA selection. He played a crucial role in leading the franchise to victory over the Celtics in the 1958 NBA Championship.
He finished his playing career with averages of 17.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists across 839 games, retiring after the 1969-70 season.
Before his time in the NBA, Hagan was a standout player at Kentucky, earning consensus All-American honors twice under the guidance of legendary coach Adolph Rupp. He played a vital role in securing the Wildcats’ national championship in 1951 and recorded an impressive 25-0 season in 1953-54.
During that undefeated season, Kentucky chose to decline an invitation to the NCAA Tournament due to eligibility restrictions affecting Hagan and two other graduating players.
Hagan’s collegiate career culminated in an impressive 86-5 record over his three years on the varsity team.
Notably, in a game against the Knicks in 1958, Hagan scored an incredible 26 points in just one fourth quarter.
He returned to the University of Kentucky as athletic director in 1975, a position he held until 1988.
While in this role, the university celebrated winning the men’s basketball national championship in 1978, led by players like Jack Givens and Rick Robey.
In 1978, Hagan became the first former Kentucky player to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, with his No. 6 jersey being retired by the school. He was later inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
“Few individuals have influenced Kentucky Athletics as much as Cliff Hagan,” remarked Kentucky’s athletic director J Batt. “He represented our program with distinction as a champion, Hall of Famer, and Athletic Director, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to shape our department. It’s a privilege to carry forward the standard he has set.”
“Big Blue Nation will always remember and appreciate Cliff for everything he contributed to Kentucky. Our thoughts are with his family during this time.”
