Clyde Drexler : Clyde Austin Drexler, born on June 22, 1962, in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a name that resonates deeply with basketball fans worldwide. Known as “Clyde the Glide,” Drexler carved out a place in basketball history with his smooth playing style and incredible athleticism. Over a career spanning 15 seasons in the NBA, Drexler achieved remarkable feats, including winning an NBA championship and earning a spot on the Dream Team. Today, he continues to influence the game as the commissioner of the Big3 3-on-3 basketball league. But what is the truth about Clyde Drexler? Let’s delve into his life and career.
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Early Life and Beginnings
Clyde Drexler grew up in the South Park area of Houston, Texas, after being born in New Orleans. He attended Ross Sterling High School in Houston, where he was classmates with tennis player Zina Garrison. Despite his future success in basketball, Drexler’s journey to the sport wasn’t straightforward. As a sophomore, he made the varsity baseball team but failed to make the basketball team. It wasn’t until his senior year, when he played as a 6’6″ center, that he began to garner attention from college coaches. His standout performance in a Christmas tournament, where he recorded 34 points and 27 rebounds, caught the eye of several universities.
After graduating in 1980, Drexler was recruited by New Mexico State University, Texas Tech University, and the University of Houston. Drexler chose the University of Houston, largely due to his friendship with childhood friend Michael Young and his desire to stay close to home. He majored in finance and even worked at a bank during the summers. However, his basketball skills were what truly shone during his college years.
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College Career: The Rise of “Clyde the Glide”
Drexler’s college career at the University of Houston was nothing short of spectacular. Alongside Michael Young, Larry Micheaux, and Hakeem Olajuwon (then known as Akeem), Drexler was part of the famous “Phi Slama Jama” fraternity. This group of athletes became nationally recognized for their acrobatic, above-the-rim style of play. Drexler, in particular, was known for his explosive dunks, often initiating new players into the fraternity by dunking over them.
During his time at Houston, Drexler helped lead the team to two consecutive Final Four appearances. In the 1981-82 season, Houston lost to eventual champions North Carolina in the Final Four. Drexler averaged 15.2 points and 10.5 rebounds per game as a small forward, helping the team to a 25-8 record. The following season, Drexler and the Cougars returned to the Final Four, this time as the top-ranked team in the nation. They faced off against Louisville’s “Doctors of Dunk” in the semifinals, winning 94-81 in a game filled with highlight-reel dunks.
In the championship game against North Carolina State, Drexler struggled, picking up four fouls before halftime and scoring only four points. Houston was upset by NC State, ending Drexler’s college career on a sour note. Despite this, Drexler left Houston with impressive career averages of 14.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. He was named the Southwestern Conference Player of the Year and a First-Team All-American in his final season.
NBA Career: Portland Trail Blazers (1983-1995)
Drexler entered the NBA Draft in 1983, where he was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 14th overall pick. His rookie season saw him average 7.7 points in 17.2 minutes per game. However, as his playing time increased, so did his stats. By his second season, he was averaging 17.2 points, 6 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. In his third season, Drexler made his first All-Star team, solidifying his status as one of the league’s rising stars.
One of Drexler’s most memorable moments came on January 6, 1989, when he scored a career-high 50 points in a double-overtime win against the Sacramento Kings. The 1989-1990 season was another significant milestone in Drexler’s career. He led the Trail Blazers to the NBA Finals, where they faced off against the Detroit Pistons. Although Portland lost the series in five games, Drexler’s performance throughout the season, where he averaged 23.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, was nothing short of remarkable.
The 1990-1991 season saw Drexler lead Portland to a franchise-best 63-19 record. He played in every game for the first time in four seasons and averaged 21.5 points per game. Despite being favorites to win the Western Conference, the Trail Blazers were upset by the Los Angeles Lakers in the Conference Finals.
In the 1991-1992 season, Drexler had one of his best individual seasons, making the All-NBA First Team and finishing second to Michael Jordan in MVP voting. He averaged 25 points per game, along with 6.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists. The Trail Blazers once again reached the NBA Finals, this time against Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. Despite Drexler’s efforts, which included averaging 24.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game in the series, Portland fell to the Bulls in six games.
NBA Career: Houston Rockets (1995-1998)
By 1995, the Portland Trail Blazers were no longer serious contenders for an NBA championship. Drexler, recognizing this, requested a trade to a team with a better shot at the title. On February 14, 1995, he was traded to the Houston Rockets, where he reunited with former college teammate Hakeem Olajuwon. The move proved to be a masterstroke, as Drexler and Olajuwon led the Rockets to an improbable second consecutive NBA championship.
During the Rockets’ playoff run, Drexler had several standout performances, including a 41-point game in the first round against the Utah Jazz. In the Finals, Houston swept the Orlando Magic, with Drexler averaging 21.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game.
Drexler played his final three seasons with the Rockets, though injuries began to take their toll. Despite this, he continued to be a key contributor, averaging 18 points per game in his final season. The Rockets reached the Conference Finals in the 1996-1997 season, but were eliminated by the Utah Jazz in six games. Drexler retired after the 1997-1998 season, finishing his career with over 20,000 points, 6,000 assists, and 6,000 rebounds. He is one of only three players in NBA history to achieve these milestones.
Post-NBA Career and Legacy
Following his retirement, Drexler transitioned into a coaching role, taking over as head coach of the University of Houston’s men’s basketball team in 1998. However, his coaching career was short-lived, as he stepped down after just two seasons. Drexler then shifted his focus to business ventures and broadcasting, serving as a color commentator for the Houston Rockets.
In 2004, Drexler was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for his individual career. Six years later, he was inducted again as a member of the 1992 United States Olympic basketball team, widely regarded as the greatest basketball team ever assembled. Known as the “Dream Team,” this group of NBA stars, including Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird, dominated the competition at the Barcelona Olympics, winning the gold medal.
Today, Drexler continues to impact the sport as the commissioner of the Big3 3-on-3 basketball league, a role he has held since 2017. The league, founded by rapper and actor Ice Cube, has grown in popularity, featuring former NBA players and providing fans with a new way to enjoy the game.
Conclusion: The Truth About Clyde Drexler
Clyde Drexler’s legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time is well-deserved. From his early days in Houston to his NBA career with the Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets, Drexler consistently demonstrated his skills, leadership, and determination. His smooth, gliding style of play earned him the nickname “Clyde the Glide,” and his ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments made him a true legend of the game.
Drexler’s contributions to basketball extend beyond his playing days. As a member of the Dream Team, he helped elevate the sport to new heights on the global stage. As the commissioner of the Big3 league, he continues to shape the future of basketball, ensuring that the game remains exciting and accessible to fans of all ages.
In the end, the truth about Clyde Drexler is that he is more than just a basketball player. He is an icon, a pioneer, and a role model for aspiring athletes everywhere. His impact on the game will be felt for generations to come, and his place in basketball history is forever secure.
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