Theodore “The Hound” McClain led Nashville’s Pearl High School basketball team to a 31-2 record during the first year that segregated schools for black students were allowed to participate in the TSSAA as affiliate members. In 1966 Pearl High had a 31-0 record and won the TSSAA High School State Championship. McClain’s next stop was Tennessee State University, where he starred for the Tigers from 1968 to 1971, recording the second highest career point total of 2309. He also earned the highest career scoring average in TSU’s history of 24.8. In 1971 McClain was chosen Most Valuable Player in the NCAA Division II basketball championship finals. He was a three-time UPI and AP Little All-America selection and was named a 1970 All-American. After the conclusion of his stellar collegiate career, McClain was drafted into the professional ranks of the American Basketball Association by the Carolina Cougars. He also played guard for the ABA Champion Kentucky Colonels in 1974 and 1975. He was selected to the ABA all-star team while leading the league in steals and setting a single game record with thirteen stolen balls. McClain also spent time in the NBA, playing with Denver, Buffalo, Phoenix, and Philadelphia. He had an outstanding basketball career at every level. Be it high school, college, or the pros, Theodore McClain was truly a winner.
