The late Clyde Lovellette led the Kansas Jayhawks to the 1952 NCAA title (under legendary coach Phog Allen) and won a gold medal for USA basketball at the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, all before turning pro. When he helped the Minneapolis Lakers grab the 1954 NBA crown, Lovellette became the first player in history to accomplish the game’s coveted trifecta: an NCAA Championship, Olympic gold medal and NBA title (before Bill Russell and later Magic & MJ).
Later in his career he added more championship rings to his jewelry collection by winning titles with the 1963 and 1964 Boston Celtics, enabling Lovellette to claim yet another distinct accolade: the first player ever to win an NBA title with both the Lakers and Celtics (Rajon Rondo joined him in 2020). It's hard to top Mr. Lovellette’s basketball credentials, as he was part of championship teams linked to the KU Jayhawks, Team USA, the Lakers and Celtics - essentially the four most prestigious basketball entities with the most passionate fan bases in the sport. In addition, Clyde was an Indiana high school legend, starring for Terre Haute Garfield and earning a spot in the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.
Featured here is Lovellette’s Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame ring presented to him upon his 1988 induction. The 10-karat gold Balfour ring boasts a faux diamond at the center atop a small gold wreath and red stone backdrop, encircled by the words "Basketball Hall of Fame." On one side is "1988" atop a figural relief of two players contesting for the ball. On the other shank is "CLYDE LOVELLETTE" above a Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame shield logo. The inside of the band is stamped "LGB 10K.”
The wonderful video clip (just 2 minutes and 54 seconds) below shows Lovellette being presented this very ring at the 1988 induction ceremony by his former St. Louis Hawks teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Cliff Hagan. The lovely ring presents in near flawless condition with its original Balfour presentation box. It comes directly from the Lovellette family with a letter from Clyde's son.