Clyde Austin facts for kids
Austin in 1976
|
|
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 1, 1957 Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | August 16, 2025 (aged 67) |
| High school | Maggie L. Walker (Richmond, Virginia) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Listed weight | 150 lb (68 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | NC State (1976–1980) |
| NBA Draft | 1980 / Round: 2 / Pick: 44th overall |
| Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers | |
| Pro career | 1980–1988 |
| Career history | |
| 1980 | Philadelphia Kings |
| 1980–1988 | Harlem Globetrotters |
| Career highlights and awards | |
|
|
Clyde Edward Austin (November 1, 1957 – August 16, 2025) was an American basketball player famous for his amazing skills on the court. He earned the nickname "Clyde the Glide" because of his smooth playing style. Austin first became a star while playing in high school and went on to have a successful college career.
Even though he was chosen by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1980 NBA draft, he became best known for his time playing with the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters.
Contents
Early Life and High School Stardom
Clyde Austin grew up in Richmond, Virginia, and quickly became a local legend. While playing for Maggie L. Walker High School, he was seen as one of the best high school basketball players the area had ever produced. His talent on the court made him a top prospect for colleges across the country.
College Basketball Career
From 1976 to 1980, Austin played college basketball for the NC State Wolfpack. He was a key player for the team. In his second year, he received an honorable mention as an All-American, which is an award given to the best college players in the nation. He also earned All-ACC honors, recognizing him as a top player in his conference.
Professional Basketball Journey
The NBA Draft
After his great college career, Austin was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1980 NBA draft. This meant the 76ers wanted him to play for their team in the National Basketball Association (NBA). However, Austin's professional career took a different path.
The Harlem Globetrotters
Instead of playing in the NBA, Austin joined the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters. He played with them for eight years, from 1980 to 1988. The Globetrotters are known for their incredible basketball skills, trick shots, and entertaining shows that delight fans all over the globe. Austin's flashy style was a perfect fit for the team.
Life After Basketball
After he stopped playing professionally, Austin became a pastor. He also stayed involved with basketball by starting a team called the Raleigh Cougars in 1997.
After his basketball career, Clyde Austin became involved in different business ventures. Later in life, Clyde Austin faced serious legal difficulties. In 2004, Austin was sentenced to 17 years in prison for running a national pyramid scheme. Austin received an early release from prison and was working at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas as of 2017.
Career statistics
| Legend | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
| FG% | Field goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field goal percentage | FT% | Free throw percentage |
| RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists per game | SPG | Steals per game |
| BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game | Bold | Career high |
College
| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976–77 | NC State | 28 | – | – | .485 | – | .738 | 2.5 | 5.0 | 1.9 | .5 | 12.2 |
| 1977–78 | NC State | 29 | – | – | .457 | – | .664 | 3.5 | 4.2 | 1.4 | .4 | 12.4 |
| 1978–79 | NC State | 30 | – | – | .488 | – | .699 | 3.2 | 4.0 | 1.2 | .3 | 14.4 |
| 1979–80 | NC State | 28 | – | – | .511 | – | .700 | 2.6 | 3.3 | 1.0 | .1 | 8.9 |
| Career | 115 | – | – | .483 | – | .696 | 3.0 | 4.1 | 1.4 | .3 | 12.0 | |
