Clark Kellogg, a name long-associated with basketball excellence, has been officially inducted into the renowned Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. This award is a recognition of her stellar career that has been replete with extraordinary accomplishments. To me, it illustrates a truly inspiring dedication to the game, despite having to overcome mammoth obstacles.
This remarkable trip started for Kellogg at Cleveland St. Joseph High School, where he won the 1979 Mr. Basketball USA award. His extremely successful high school career became the bedrock for a very productive college career at Ohio State. He emerged as a three-year starter and demonstrated an electrifying arsenal of offensive talents. As a junior in 1981–82, he established himself nationally averaging 16.1 points and 10.5 rebounds. His efforts found him as a selection on the 1982 All-Big 10 selection team. It was this accomplishment that crowned him as perhaps the premier player of his time.
In 1983, Kellogg declared for the NBA draft and wasted no time in establishing himself in the league. His accomplishments would see him finish runner-up to Terry Cummings of the Milwaukee Bucks for NBA Rookie of the Year honors. This performance capped off one of the greatest rookie seasons in NBA history. Yet, as with many great athletes, his bright career came to a sudden end with the onset of knee injuries.
After foot surgery in 1984, tragedy struck. No matter how hard he willed himself back to the court, swelling and soreness persisted. By August of 1987, at the tender age of 26, Kellogg was forced to announce his retirement following his third knee operation.
When looking back on his career’s early conclusion, Kellogg pointed to his deep Christian faith as providing strength and solace. “I was just getting started when my career ended,” he remarked, expressing both disappointment and gratitude for the journey he undertook.
Although his professional playing days ended, his love for the sport exploded and continued to flourish. In the world of multimedia, he’s found his passion in sports broadcasting. He joins dark horses and future Hall of Famers like Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson during the NCAA tourney. Now 64, Kellogg is still actively involved with breaking down college basketball and there are no plans for retirement in the near future.
“I have an enthusiasm and a joy and a fun for what God has privileged and graced me to do in this space,” Kellogg noted, emphasizing his love for providing insightful commentary on the sport.
From the moment he became a commentator, Kellogg has taken a no nonsense approach. “You have to be committed to the process and the work to get better,” he advised aspiring commentators. “And there are no shortcuts to that.”
In spite of his challenges, Kellogg’s determination to see the bright side bursts from every page of his work. “I take the craft seriously, but I don’t take myself too seriously about it,” he shared. This balance is one reason behind his reputation as one of the GIAs most respected and audience connecting analysts.
Kellogg would have one of his proudest moments in 2012. He cheered as his youngest son, Nick Kellogg, helped lead Ohio University to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA basketball tournament. Little did he know that calling the game from a monitor would end up being the crowning moment of his coaching career.
As he takes stock on a remarkable basketball life, Kellogg is quick to recognize the hopes and dreams that surrounded him as a young hoopster. You get into the league, and you’re just happy to be there. Then three, you want to show the world that you’re deserving to be on this stage,” he said. Then three, you begin to think about, OK, now I want to be an All-Star, I want to be a featured player in a playoff game.
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