Gene Shue

Eugene William "Gene" Shue (born December 18, 1931) is a retired American professional basketball player and coach in the National Basketball Association (NBA). During his playing days he was a 6'2" (1.88 m) 170 lb (77 kg) guard.

Playing career

Shue attended Towson Catholic High School and the University of Maryland, where he was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. After graduation, he was drafted 3rd overall in the 1954 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia Warriors. During his ten year playing career in the NBA, he was also a member of the New York Knicks, Fort Wayne/Detroit Pistons, and the Baltimore Bullets. After just six games with the Philadelphia Warriors Shue was sold to the New York Knicks.

After the 1955-56 season Shue was traded to the Fort Wayne Pistons for Ron Sobie. In 1956-57 he played his first season (third season in the league) for the Fort Wayne Pistons. The franchise moved to Detroit the following season, and Shue blossomed. Shue was one of the top guards of the early days of the NBA. He is credited with inventing the "Spin Move," a 360-degree turn while changing hands. Shue was an NBA All-Star five consecutive times (1958–62). In 1959-60 he recorded 22.8 pts/game (6th most in the NBA) (1712 pts) and 5.5 rebounds/game, leading the NBA in minutes (3338) and finishing second in free throw % (.872) while earning All-NBA First Team honors. The following year he may have had his most complete year ever, averaging 4.3 rebounds/game, 6.8 assists/game (4th in the NBA) (530 assists also 4th) and 22.6 points/game (10th most in the NBA) (1765 pts). He also marked his highest field goal% (.421) and was named to the All-NBA Second Team. The 1961-62 season was his last one as star player; he averaged 19.0 pts/game and 5.8 assists/game (5th in the NBA) (465 assists also 5th).