Clyde Drexler, born on June 22, 1962, in New Orleans, Louisiana, discovered his love for basketball at a young age. He excelled on the court throughout his high school years, earning him a scholarship to the University of Houston.
At Houston, Drexler became a key player for the Cougars' basketball team. Alongside fellow future Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon, he helped lead the team to great success. The duo, known as 'Phi Slama Jama,' became one of the most dominant forces in college basketball history.
After a standout college career, Drexler entered the NBA draft in 1983 and was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers as the 14th overall pick. It was in Portland where Drexler's NBA career truly took off. He quickly made a name for himself with his smooth playing style and acrobatic dunks, earning him the nickname "Clyde the Glide."
Drexler's time with the Trail Blazers was marked by numerous accomplishments, including being selected to 10 NBA All-Star games. In 1992, he had a stellar season where he finished second in MVP voting, just behind the legendary Michael Jordan.
After spending over a decade in Portland, Drexler was traded to the Houston Rockets in 1995. It was with the Rockets that he achieved the ultimate goal of winning an NBA Championship in 1995. Drexler's leadership and skill were crucial to the team's success that year.
Off the court, Drexler is a devoted husband and father. He married his wife Gaynell in 1988, and together they raised four children. Drexler is known for his commitment to his family and his community, often participating in various charitable endeavors.
Throughout his career, Clyde Drexler left a lasting impact on the game of basketball. His smooth playing style and ability to score in a variety of ways made him a fan favorite. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Drexler was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004.
His accomplishments on and off the court have solidified his status as one of the all-time basketball greats. Clyde Drexler's legacy continues to inspire future generations of basketball players.