Greater Columbus Basketball Legend Association
JIM CLEAMONS
2013 GCBLA inductee
JIM CLEAMONS
PLAYER / COACH
2013 GCBLA INDUCTEE
COLUMBUS, OHIO
Category: PLAYER / NBA COACH
Recognition
Jim graduated from Linden McKinley High School in 1967 where as team captain, he led the Panthers to their first OHSAA State Champioship. He played collegiately at The Ohio State University garnering All-Big10 honors and was a team captain. Drafted in the NBA’s 1st round (13th pick) by Los Angeles, Cleamons’ pro career as a player spanned 9 years with the Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks and Washington Bullets. Jim was selected to the NBA All-Defensive Team (2nd team) in 1976. After his playing days “Clem” went into coaching, was assistant at Furman University, head coach at Youngstown State University and then back to the NBA where he has been head coach with the Dallas Mavericks and assistant coach with Chicago Bulls, LA Lakers and New Orleans Hornets. Jim has had much success in the NBA earning a championship ring as a player with the Lakers and multiple rings as assistant coach with the Bulls.
Career Highlights
- Jim graduated from Linden McKinley High School in 1967 where as team captain, he led the Panthers to their first OHSAA State Championship.
- He played collegiately at The Ohio State University garnering All-Big10 honors and was a team captain.
- Drafted in the NBA’s 1st round (13th pick) by Los Angeles, Cleamons’ pro career as a player spanned 9 years with the Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks and Washington Bullets.
- Jim was selected to the NBA All-Defensive Team (2nd team) in 1976.
- Assistant coach at Furman University, head coach at Youngstown State University
- Head coach for the Dallas Mavericks and assistant coach with Chicago Bulls, LA Lakers and New Orleans Hornets.
- Jim has had much success in the NBA earning a championship ring as a player with the Lakers and multiple rings as assistant coach with the Bulls.