Don Shields (1969) - Hall of Fame

Don Shields

Induction:
1969
Class:
1938

The Temple University basketball team compiled a 58-14 record during the 1935-36, 1936-37, and 1937-38 seasons and one of the players most responsible for that fine record was Don Shields. During his senior campaign, he sparked Temple to the championship of the first National Invitational Tournament. Don was named the most valuable player in that 1938 tournament that saw the Owls defeat Bradley, Oklahoma A&M and Colorado for the championship. He earned All-American recognition in 1936 and 1938 when he was named Temple's most valuable player. Don made the All-Eastern Intercollegiate Conference all-star first team twice. He was co-captain as the 1937-38 Owls rolled to a 23-2 record including the three victories in the NIT. He almost led Temple into the 1936 Olympics, the Owls losing in the finals of the playoffs that selected the team. Shields went on to star with the Phillips Oilers after graduating from Temple in 1938. He coached the Tulsa University basketball team during the 1945-46 season.