Clyde Drexler

Clyde Drexler had a storied career both in college basketball and in the NBA, leading to his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Here’s a deeper look at his college and NBA career, as well as his connection to the BIG3:

College Career:
University of Houston (1981–1983): Clyde Drexler played college basketball at the University of Houston, where he became part of the famous “Phi Slama Jama” team alongside future NBA stars Hakeem Olajuwon and Michael Young.
Success at Houston: Drexler helped lead the Houston Cougars to the NCAA Tournament in 1983, where they reached the Final Four. The team was known for its high-flying, fast-paced style of play, with Drexler showcasing his athleticism and skill.
College Achievements: He was named to several All-American teams and earned multiple honors for his play. His performance at Houston laid the foundation for his NBA career.
NBA Career:
Portland Trail Blazers (1983–1995): Drexler was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 14th overall pick in the 1983 NBA Draft.
All-Star Appearances: Drexler made six NBA All-Star appearances with Portland, where he became one of the most dominant shooting guards in the league. He was known for his scoring, athleticism, and leadership on the court.
NBA Finals: Drexler led the Blazers to the NBA Finals in 1990 and 1992, although they were ultimately defeated by the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls.
Houston Rockets (1995–1998): Drexler was traded to the Houston Rockets in 1995 and helped lead the team to an NBA Championship in 1995.
Championship Victory: The Rockets’ victory in 1995 marked Drexler’s first and only NBA title, and his addition to the Rockets provided the team with the veteran leadership and athleticism needed to win the championship.
All-Star Appearances: He made three more All-Star appearances during his time in Houston, continuing to showcase his all-around game.
Seattle SuperSonics (1998–2000): Drexler finished his career with the Seattle SuperSonics, but his most impactful years were with the Blazers and Rockets.
Career Achievements:
NBA All-Star Selections: Drexler made 10 All-Star appearances in his career (1986, 1992–1998, 2000).
NBA Championships: He won one NBA Championship in 1995 with the Houston Rockets.
All-NBA Selections: Drexler was named to five All-NBA teams, including two All-NBA First Team honors in 1992 and 1995.
Career Stats: Over his career, Drexler averaged 20.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game.
Hall of Fame Induction:
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2004): Clyde Drexler was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004, recognized for his incredible career both in college and in the NBA. His combination of scoring, passing, rebounding, and leadership made him one of the most complete players of his era.
BIG3 League:
BIG3 League (2018): After retiring from the NBA, Clyde Drexler joined the BIG3, a professional 3-on-3 basketball league founded by Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz. Drexler played for the Tri-State team in the inaugural season of the league, which featured former NBA players competing in a unique 3-on-3 format. While Drexler’s time in the BIG3 was short, his participation in the league showcased his continued passion for basketball.
Legacy:
One of the NBA’s Greats: Clyde Drexler is remembered as one of the greatest shooting guards of all time, known for his athleticism, leadership, and all-around game. He helped shape the game in the 1980s and 1990s and was an integral part of the high-flying, fast-paced era of basketball.
Impact on the Game: Drexler was not only known for his scoring but also for his ability to rebound, pass, and defend, making him one of the most well-rounded players in NBA history.
Drexler’s induction into the Hall of Fame, his NBA title with the Rockets, and his impact on both college and professional basketball solidify his legacy as one of the game’s greats. His involvement in the BIG3 League in recent years also highlights his ongoing connection to the sport