No. 6 – Clyde Mayes
If you were casting a movie about classic basketball cool, Clyde Mayes would be the easy choice for the lead. Picture the timeless confidence of Apollo Creed mixed with the effortless charm of Billy Dee Williams—only this version comes with a silky jump shot and a commanding presence in the paint. Mayes was a handsome, dominant forward whose mustache wasn’t just facial hair; it was a statement.
His look carried a quiet confidence, the kind that never needed to announce itself. That style mirrored his game—polished, powerful, and unmistakably elite. Clyde Mayes didn’t just wear a mustache. He wore a legacy.
The Mustache: Swagger on the Edge
Mayes perfected what can best be described as the beardstache. Not quite a full beard and not merely a mustache, it walked the line with purpose and swagger. The thick, prominent mustache paired with a shorter, well-groomed beard or heavy stubble gave him a look that said style and grit could coexist.
This wasn’t a flashy or exaggerated statement. It was understated cool. The kind of facial hair that lets opponents know you’re confident enough to keep things a little rough around the edges—because you can back it up. In the context of the SoCon mustache top ten countdown, Mayes’ look stands out for its balance: refined but rugged, classic but fearless.
A Furman Legend in Every Sense
Clyde Mayes’ mustache may have turned heads, but his performance at Furman University made history. During his three-year career with the Paladins, Mayes led the program to a remarkable run of success that remains a gold standard in SoCon basketball.
Under his leadership, Furman captured two Southern Conference regular-season titles, three SoCon Tournament championships, and three NCAA Tournament berths. The highlight came in 1974, when Mayes guided the Paladins to a historic 75–67 NCAA Tournament victory over South Carolina.
Individually, his résumé is staggering. The 6-foot-9 forward was a three-time First Team All-SoCon selection, a three-time SoCon All-Tournament pick, and a two-time Southern Conference Player of the Year. He was also named SoCon Tournament MVP twice and earned Southern Conference Athlete of the Year honors in 1975.
Statistically, Mayes averaged 17.9 points and 12.6 rebounds per game, anchoring Furman on both ends of the floor. His dominance earned him South Carolina Player of the Year recognition in 1975, along with multiple All-America honors from major national publications.
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His legacy was cemented decades later with his selection to the SoCon’s 100th Anniversary Team.
From the NBA to International Stardom
Mayes was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round of the 1975 NBA Draft and appeared in 65 games as a rookie during the 1975–76 season. While his NBA tenure was brief, it served as a gateway to a far longer and highly successful professional career overseas.
Beginning with the 1977–78 season, Mayes took his talents to Europe, where his game—and his unmistakable look—thrived. Over the next 12 seasons, he played professionally in Italy, France, and Spain, carving out a respected and enduring international career that far outlasted his time in the NBA.
Why Clyde Mayes Is No. 6
The SoCon mustache top ten countdown isn’t just about facial hair—it’s about presence. Clyde Mayes earns the No. 6 spot because his mustache perfectly matched who he was as a player: confident, dominant, and effortlessly cool. It wasn’t loud, but it lingered. It didn’t demand attention, but it always had it.
His style was more than a look. It became part of the story of one of the Southern Conference’s greatest players.
The Point After
At No. 6 in the SoCon mustache top ten countdown, Clyde Mayes represents the ideal blend of basketball excellence and timeless style. His achievements at Furman helped define an era, while his mustache embodied a confidence that never faded. As the countdown continues toward No. 1, Mayes stands tall as a reminder that legends aren’t just remembered for what they did—but how they carried themselves while doing it.
