Clyde Austin
Clyde Edward Austin (born November 1, 1957) is an American former basketball player. Nicknamed "Clyde the Glide", he emerged as a prospect while playing for Maggie L. Walker High School in Richmond, Virginia, where he is considered one of the area's greatest high school basketball players.[1] Austin played college basketball for the NC State Wolfpack and was an honorable mention All-American during his sophomore season. He was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers as the 44th overall pick in the 1980 NBA draft but never played in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
 Austin in 1976 | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 1, 1957 Raleigh, North Carolina |
| Nationality | American |
| Listed height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Listed weight | 150 lb (68 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Maggie L. Walker (Richmond, Virginia) |
| College | NC State (1976–1980) |
| NBA draft | 1980 / Round: 2 / Pick: 44th overall |
| Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers | |
| Playing career | 1980–1988 |
| Position | Point guard |
| Career history | |
| 1980–1988 | Harlem Globetrotters |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Austin played for the Harlem Globetrotters for eight years.[1] After his retirement from playing, he became a pastor and founded the Raleigh Cougars of the United States Basketball League (USBL) in 1997.[2] The team was disestablished mid-season in 1999 following Austin's unexplained absence from the team.[2] In 2004, Austin was sentenced to 17 years in prison for running a national pyramid scheme in which he stole $16 million from his investors between 1996 and 2000.[2][3] He swindled the money while serving as a pastor and convinced his victims, including seminar attendees, to invest their money in bonds, overseas trading, real estate and the marketing of products including herbs and weight-loss aids.[3][4]
Austin received an early release from prison and was working at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas as of 2017.[1]
References
- Jeter, Fred (17 February 2017). "Like father, like sons". Richmond Free Press. Retrieved 26 February 2020.
- Crossley, Drew (29 May 2017). "1997-1999 Raleigh Cougars". Fun While It Lasted. Retrieved 26 February 2020.
- Pratt, Timothy (18 June 2004). "Clyde 'The Glide' receives 17 years". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 26 February 2020.
- ""Clyde the Glide" Austin". Ram Fanatics. Retrieved 26 February 2020.