Sports History

Cliff Hagan: A Basketball Legend with a Hook Shot that Defined an Era
Cliff Hagan, nicknamed "Li'l Abner," was a dominant force in the NBA during the 1950s and 1960s. With his lightning-fast reflexes and an unstoppable hook shot that became his signature, he carved his name in basketball history as a true legend.

Early Success:

Born in Owensboro, Kentucky, in 1931, Hagan's basketball talent blossomed early. He led the University of Kentucky to two NCAA championships in 1951 and 1954, showcasing his exceptional skills and athleticism.

Dominating the NBA:

Lil' Abner was drafted by the St. Louis Hawks in 1956, Hagan quickly established himself as a key player. He formed a formidable partnership with Bob Pettit, leading the Hawks to the 1958 NBA championship. Hagan's contribution was undeniable, earning him an All-NBA Second Team selection that same year.

Hook Shot Perfection:

Hagan's signature move, the "Hagan Hook," became a staple of his game. This unstoppable shot, launched with his back to the basket, left defenders guessing and frustrated. It became so iconic that it earned him the nickname "Hook Shot Hagan."

A Versatile Force:

Hagan wasn't just a scorer; he was also a remarkable rebounder and passer. He averaged 18.0 points and 8.4 rebounds per game during his 10-year NBA career, earning six All-Star selections and being named to the All-NBA First Team twice.

Lasting Legacy:

After retiring from the NBA in 1966, Hagan continued to be an active member of the basketball community. He enjoyed success in the American Basketball Association (ABA) before dedicating himself to philanthropy and community service.

Born October 25, 1939, in Hillister, Texas, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Center Zelmo Beaty. This legend was a two-time NBA All-Star and the three-time ABA All-Star. Zelmo played with the St Louis Hawks, Utah Stars, and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Born December 12, 1932, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Forward/Center Bob Pettit. During his 11 seasons in the NBA, all with the Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks (1954–1965) he was a star player. In 1956, he became the first recipient of the NBA's Most Valuable Player Award and he won the award again in 1959. This legend was an eleven-time NBA All-Star. He really played well in Big games. Pettit led the Hawks to an NBA Championship with a then-playoff record 50 points in the Hawks' 110-109 series-clinching victory in game 6 over the Boston Celtics.

Born: July 11, 1944 in Greensboro, North Carolina, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Guard/Forward Lou Hudson. "Sweet Lou" was an All-American in college as a University of Minnesota Golden Gopher. Lou was part of the first black recruiting class at Minnesota, as he, Archie Clark and Don Yates enrolled at the University of Minnesota in 1964. Hudson went on to play in the NBA with the St Louis and Atlanta Hawks, later the Los Angeles Lakers, and a six-time NBA All-Star, scoring 17,940 total points in 13 NBA seasons (1966–1979). He averaged 20.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game in 890 games. He shot .489 from the field and .797 from the free throw line. He was the 12th all-time leading scorer in NBA History at the time of his retirement.
Hudson's jersey number has been retired by both the Atlanta Hawks and the University of Minnesota.

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Ed Macauley NBA career numbers, stats, and more from Basketball-Reference.com. He wore the Number 50, Number 22, and Number 20 during his NBA career.