Clayton Shields to sign as coach of Gallup Talons
May 9, 2005 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Gallup Outlaws News Release
Gallup, NM. "Youth, exuberance, and top-level playing experience is what Clayton Shields will be bringing to the Gallup Talons," said owner Joe Kolb. Shields, a household name among New Mexicans from his playing days at the University of New Mexico, will sign as the first head coach of the American Basketball Association Gallup Talons on Wednesday, May 11 at 5PM in a special ceremony held at the McKinley County Chamber of Commerce.
"We are proud and happy to have him in this position for our team. Our goal was to find a coach who could relate well to fans and the unique demographics of Gallup. His reputation precedes him," said Kolb, who has been patient in finding the "right man the first time."
Shields, a former Lobo Player from Baytown, Texas, ranks fourth on the leading scorer list of the University of New Mexico with 1,837 points. The four-year starter was selected as the WAC Mountain Division Player of the Year for 1997-98. He also started his last 96 games for the Lobos, socring in double-digits a total of 101 of his career 128 gemes and finished his college career by sharing the WAC record with 285 three-point shots made.
The Lobo teams he played on, under coach Dave Bliss, were 92-36 with a WAC Tournament title in 1996 and three trips to the NCAA Tournament. Clayton also set a record in the 1996-97 year by making 96 three-point shots and had a career high 34 points in the 98-77 win against TCU his senior year and tied a Lobo record in that game by making eight treys.
"I didn't have the pro career I would have liked," said Shields of his time spent playing pro basketball in Portugal, Belgium, Italy, Cypress and Australia. "What I got was a better understanding of the professional game. Over the last five years, I've been concentrating on coaching philosophies and strategies."
Shields will be moving to Gallup in August with his wife Amanda and sons Xavier 11, Kraig 9 and soon to be born son, Christian. "Word of Shields' signing has ignited the excitement of the ABA coming to Gallup," said Kolb.
For more information, email Joe Kolb at ghsat@hotmail.com or visit www.abalive.com.
Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.
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American Basketball Association Stories from May 9, 2005
- Clayton Shields to sign as coach of Gallup Talons - Gallup Outlaws
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