Cliff Meely
Encyclopedia
Cliff Meely is an American basketball player who played one year at Northeastern Junior College
in Sterling, Colorado, then at the University of Colorado
for three years, from 1968 to 1971. He remains Colorado's career leader in points per game and rebounds per game. Meely was a Big Eight all-conference performer all three years at Colorado, and was a first-team All American as a senior. He is the only Colorado basketball player to have his number retired.
He was drafted by the Houston Rockets
in the 1971 NBA Draft
. He played for the Rockets for five years, before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers
in his last year. He went on to play two years in Europe before recurring back spasms forced his retirement. His best season statistically was his rookie season, when he averaged 9.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per games.
Northeastern Junior College
Northeastern Community College is a two-year junior college located in Sterling, Colorado, in the United States. It is a member college of the Colorado Community College System.-Academics:...
in Sterling, Colorado, then at the University of Colorado
Colorado Buffaloes
The University of Colorado Boulder sponsors 16 varsity sports teams. Both men's and women's team are called the Buffaloes or Golden Buffaloes . "Lady Buffs" referred to the women's teams beginning in the 1970s, but was officially dropped in 1993...
for three years, from 1968 to 1971. He remains Colorado's career leader in points per game and rebounds per game. Meely was a Big Eight all-conference performer all three years at Colorado, and was a first-team All American as a senior. He is the only Colorado basketball player to have his number retired.
He was drafted by the Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being...
in the 1971 NBA Draft
1971 NBA Draft
The 1971 NBA Draft was the 25th annual draft of the National Basketball Association . The draft was held on March 29, 1971 before the 1971–72 season. In this draft, 17 NBA teams took turns selecting amateur U.S. college basketball players and other eligible players, including international players...
. He played for the Rockets for five years, before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
in his last year. He went on to play two years in Europe before recurring back spasms forced his retirement. His best season statistically was his rookie season, when he averaged 9.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per games.