Shue Is Optimistic on Clipper Challenge

Gene Shue wore a bright yellow tie when he was introduced to the media as the Clipper head coach Tuesday at the Sports Arena.

“I wore this yellow tie because yellow is the most positive color,” Shue joked.

Shue, who signed a three-year contract with the Clippers last Thursday, hopes to bring a more positive attitude to the worst team in the National Basketball Assn.

“I think the future of the Clippers now will be very, very bright,” Shue said.

” . . . I always try to deal with the bright side. I’m a positive person. I think we’re in the process of building a good organization, and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

Shue, who was hired after Hubie Brown, John MacLeod and Dick Motta withdrew from consideration, doesn’t think he got the job by default.

“Maybe they withdrew because I was the best candidate,” Shue said. “I wanted this job and I worked hard to get it. I’d like to feel I won it.”

Shue, 55, has a lot of experience coaching losing teams. He has coached 20 seasons in the NBA, with stops at Baltimore, Philadelphia, San Diego and Washington. His overall record in the NBA is 757-768.

Shue took as over as coach of the Philadelphia 76ers in 1973-74, the season after the 76ers posted the worst record in NBA history, 9-73.

He turned around the 76ers, coaching them into the 1976-77 championship series, which they lost to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Shue is taking over the Clippers after they compiled the second-worst record in NBA history--12-70 under Don Chaney, who was fired as coach last month.

“I’ve been involved in jobs like this before,” Shue said. “I think of this as a challenge.”

Shue’s first challenge will be to motivate center Benoit Benjamin, who had a disappointing season. Benjamin has two years left on his contract.

“I called Benoit and wanted to see him down in Monroe, (La.), but he said he won’t be available for 10 days,” Shue said. “It will be the work of all of us to find out what motivates Benoit.

“I don’t know Benoit well enough, but I do know that for 25 games (in 1985-86) he played great. He must have that ability. Maybe he doesn’t have good work habits.

“He’s only 22. I think back to myself when I was 22, and I knew nothing. My approach with him is going to be communication.

“I plan to meet with the players eventually. I had lunch with (injured guard) Norm Nixon. He’s ready. His absence hurt the Clippers last year.”