W.R. Clifford "Cliff" Wells enshrined as a contributor in 1972

W.R. Clifford "Cliff" Wells

Enshrined 1972
Born: March 17, 1896
Indianapolis, IN
Died: August 15, 1977

Born and bred in Indiana, a state known for its rich basketball tradition, Clifford Wells --coach, administrator, and avid promoter of the game -- was so passionately involved in the game that he became known as the "Dean of Indiana High School Coaches." His successful high school coaching career spanned three decades, during which time Wells coached teams that captured more than 50 regional, district, and invitational titles, including two Indiana state championships. Wells also served as head coach at Tulane University from 1945 until his retirement in 1963. The energetic one-time executive director of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1963-1966) also conducted countless clinics, wrote numerous articles, and was an active participant in the NABC, holding many administrative positions including president (1958) and executive officer (1966).