He was an All-American college player at Tennessee Tech before earning similar honors with the Amateur Athletic Union's Phillips 66ers.

The slender big man was known as a prolific scorer with a deft shooting touch, particularly from the free throw line.

[3][4] At the close of the season, Hagan was named first-team All-Ohio Valley Conference and a third-team All-American by the Associated Press.

He was inducted into the Tennessee Tech athletic Hall of Fame in 1979 and his jersey has been retired by the school.

[7] Following the close of his college career, Hagan was selected by the Minneapolis Lakers in the third round of the 1960 NBA draft (18th pick overall).