Cliff Hagan, a Hall of Fame forward and five-time NBA All-Star, died on Thursday at the age of 94. Hagan played a pivotal role in the St. Louis Hawks' 1958 NBA championship win.
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The NBA expressed its condolences following his passing: "The NBA is deeply saddened by the passing of Naismith Hall of Famer Cliff Hagan, a five-time All-Star who spent his entire 10-year NBA career with the St. Louis Hawks. Cliff played a key role in St. Louis’ 1958 NBA championship. He also won an NCAA championship at Kentucky and later served as a player-coach in the ABA. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Cliff’s loved ones and the entire Hawks organization."
Hagan began his professional career after a successful stint at the University of Kentucky, joining the NBA in 1956. During his decade with the Hawks, he earned five All-Star selections and two All-NBA nods, culminating in the team’s 1958 championship.
After retiring from the NBA in 1966, he transitioned to broadcasting with the Hawks, providing television and radio commentary. Hagan later returned to basketball as a player-coach for the Dallas Chaparrals during the ABA's inaugural 1967-68 season, where he earned another All-Star selection.
He officially concluded his playing career at the beginning of the 1969-70 season and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978.