The story of popular NBA player Nat Clifton, titled as Sweetwater, is now showing in theaters. In the movie, the role of Sweetwater is portrayed by Everett Osborne. However, in this article, we will talk about the real person and his achievements.
Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton was born in a very small town in Africa, where his parents worked as sharecroppers. He was given the name Sweetwater due to his immense love for soft drinks. He moved to Chicago with his parents and studied at DuSable High School, where he also played basketball. In 1942, after graduating, he attended Xavier University of Louisiana and then joined the American army to fight in World War II.
After returning home, he joined the New York Rens, an all-black basketball team that toured throughout America. Later, he joined the Harlem Globetrotters, whom he played for almost two years. He was a great player with awesome ball control and dribbling abilities. Seeing his performance, he received a NBA contract in 1950 and became the second African American player to receive a NBA contract. He played his first game for the New York Knicks at the age of 27.
With his performance, his team was able to make it to the finals for the first time ever. He played eight seasons for the team and, at the age of 34, became the oldest player to feature in the 1957 NBA All-Star team. In the same year, after playing just one season for Detroit, he announced his retirement from the game. However, in 1958, he again joined the Detroit Clowns and played for them. At the age of 40, in 1962, he permanently announced his retirement.
He died on August 31, 1990, in his hometown of Chicago at the age of 67, likely due to a heart attack. He had four children, but he was always remembered for his performance in basketball.