Clifford Wells
Inducted:
1972
Stats
Born
March 17, 1896
Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
Died
August 15, 1977
Garland, Texas, U.S.
Position
Contributor
College
Indiana University
Clifford Wells was one of the most respected basketball coaches and educators of the mid-20th century. He spent nearly 30 years as a highly successful coach in the fiercely competitive Indiana high school basketball circuit before transitioning to the collegiate ranks, where he led the Tulane University Green Wave for 18 seasons. Beyond his sideline success, Wells was a premier executive mind.
He was one of the principal architects of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), serving as its first executive secretary and helping unify the coaching community across the nation. For his tireless dedication to basketball's growth, tactical evolution, and administration, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a Contributor in 1972.
Wells' Awards and Honor
- 2× Indiana High School State Champion (1919, 1934)
- President of the NABC
- Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame
- Tulane Athletics Hall of Fame
- Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame
NBA Teams
As Coach
Tulane (1945–1963)
As Director
Basketball HOF (1963–1966)
NBA Stats
High School Coaching Record:
Over 400 victories
Collegiate Coaching Record:
254–171 (.624)
NCAA Tournament Appearances:
3
Administrative career:
1963-1966
Administrative Leadership:
Basketball HOF (director)