Hawks Legend and Hall of Famer Cliff Hagan Dies at 94

College stardom and the Russell trade

Basketball Hall of Fame forward Cliff Hagan has died at the age of 94. The University of Kentucky announced his death on Friday. Hagan was born in Owensboro, Kentucky, and stayed in his home state to play for coach Adolph Rupp. He helped the Wildcats to an 86-5 record and the 1951 NCAA title. His single game scoring record of 51 points stood at Kentucky until 1970. Hagan later returned to the school to serve as athletics director.

The Boston Celtics drafted Hagan in the third round of the 1953 draft, but he never played for the team. After serving two years in the military, Hagan was traded in April 1956 along with Ed Macauley to the Hawks for the right to draft Bill Russell.

Championship success with the Hawks

Russell helped Boston win nine of the next 10 titles, but Hagan was a star in his own right in St. Louis. Hagan used an impressive hook shot to average 18.0 points and 6.9 rebounds per game in a 10 year NBA career. He made five All Star teams and led the Hawks to the Finals in four of his first five seasons.

In 1958, Hagan and fellow Hall of Famer Bob Pettit led the Hawks to the NBA championship by beating Russell and the Celtics in the Finals. Hagan averaged a league best 27.7 postseason points during that championship run.

Hagan finished his pro career as a player coach for the Dallas Chaparrals in the ABA. He became the first player in history to be an All Star in both leagues. In 1978, he became the first Kentucky player inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

What it means for the next game

Atlanta Hawks at Dallas Mavericks (NBA, Sat, 17 Oct): Dallas Mavericks win 49%, Atlanta Hawks win 51%; projected score Dallas Mavericks 119, Atlanta Hawks 119. Our safest pick: Hawks +9.5.

Atlanta Hawks at Orlando Magic (NBA, Wed, 21 Oct): Orlando Magic win 52%, Atlanta Hawks win 48%; projected score Orlando Magic 118, Atlanta Hawks 116. Our safest pick: Hawks +10.5.