Childhood and Education Journey of Clyde Drexler in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Clyde Drexler. A timeline of key moments.

Clyde Drexler, nicknamed "Clyde the Glide", is a retired American professional basketball player renowned for his 15 seasons in the NBA. A ten-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection, he primarily played for the Portland Trail Blazers before winning an NBA Championship with the Houston Rockets in 1995. Drexler earned a gold medal with the 1992 "Dream Team" and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame twice, individually in 2004 and as part of the Dream Team in 2010. Recognized among basketball's all-time greats and one of the best shooting guards, Drexler currently serves as the commissioner of the Big3 3-on-3 basketball league.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

June 22, 1962: Clyde Drexler Born

On June 22, 1962, Clyde Austin Drexler was born. He would become a professional basketball player and later the commissioner of the Big3 3-on-3 basketball league.

Others born on this day/year

1967: Family BBQ restaurant started

In 1967, Clyde Drexler's uncle started the family BBQ restaurant, Drexler's World Famous BBQ & Grill. This restaurant eventually expanded to two locations in Houston.

1979: Attention from College Coaches

In 1979, Clyde Drexler's performance in a Christmas tournament, where he scored 34 points and had 27 rebounds against Sharpstown High School, began to attract attention from college coaches.

1980: Recruitment by Universities

In 1980, after graduating, Clyde Drexler was recruited by New Mexico State University, Texas Tech University, and the University of Houston.

1982: Final Four Appearance

In 1982, Clyde Drexler, along with other players, made the first of two straight Final Four appearances with Houston, where they lost to North Carolina.

1983: Drafted by Portland Trail Blazers

In 1983, Clyde Drexler was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 14th overall pick in the NBA draft.

December 30, 1988: Marriage to Gaynell

On December 30, 1988, Clyde Drexler married his first wife, Gaynell.

February 14, 1995: Traded to Houston Rockets

On February 14, 1995, Clyde Drexler was traded to the Houston Rockets from the Portland Trail Blazers, along with Tracy Murray in exchange for Otis Thorpe, the draft rights of Marcelo Nicola, and a 1995 first-round draft pick.

1997: Head Coach at University of Houston

After retiring from the NBA following the 1997-98 season, Clyde Drexler became the head men's basketball coach at his alma mater, the University of Houston.

1998: Coached Cougars

Clyde Drexler coached the Cougars in the 1998-99 and 1999-2000 seasons.

1999: Coached Cougars

Clyde Drexler coached the Cougars in the 1998-99 and 1999-2000 seasons.

2000: Resigned from University of Houston

After compiling a 19–39 record in his two seasons, Clyde Drexler decided to resign to spend more time with his family in 2000.

2003: Guy Lewis Recalls Hate Mail

In 2003, Guy Lewis recalled that he initially received hate mail from Houston supporters and alumni for recruiting Clyde Drexler, as they felt that he was not good enough to play for the school.

2004: Co-authored "Clyde the Glide"

In 2004, Clyde Drexler co-authored his biography, "Clyde the Glide", with Portland Tribune sports writer Kerry Eggers, and University of Houston classmate and CBS Sports broadcaster Jim Nantz providing the foreword.

Clyde The Glide

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2006: Cameo appearance in Like Mike 2: Streetball and participation in Pros vs. Joes

In 2006, Clyde Drexler made a cameo appearance in the basketball movie Like Mike 2: Streetball. Also in 2006, he participated in the first season of the Spike TV show Pros vs. Joes.

February 21, 2007: Dancing with the Stars participation announced

On February 21, 2007, it was announced that Clyde Drexler would participate in the fourth season of the American version of Dancing with the Stars with partner Elena Grinenko.

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April 17, 2007: Elimination from Dancing with the Stars

On April 17, 2007, Clyde Drexler and his partner Elena Grinenko were the fourth celebrity pairing to be voted off in round five of Dancing with the Stars season four.

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April 11, 2010: Guest appearance on Celebrity Apprentice

On April 11, 2010, Clyde Drexler appeared as a guest on NBC's Celebrity Apprentice, where he assisted the men's team in creating video advertisements for Right Guard.

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