He was nicknamed the 'spectacular splinter', and in 1938 led the Owls to victory in the inaugural NIT (National Invitation Tournament) championship game.

[2] He was voted as the 'most valuable player' of the tournament, and in 1969 was inducted into the Temple basketball Hall of Fame.

During his tenure, Shields achieved All-American honors in 35-36', and again in 37-38', and his Owls compiled a record of 58-14.

[4] In 1945 through 1947, Don Shields coached the Tulsa Golden Hurricane men's basketball team.

[5] [6] Shields later became a college basketball referee and officiated in an NCAA tournament Final four game.