Hall of Fame
A Steubenville, Ohio, native, Gilliam, was graduated with the class of 1952. He was a four-year member of the football and basketball teams. Playing both guard and forward positions in basketball, he was a member of the 1948 squad which was the only undefeated collegiate team in the nation that season.
Gilliam was All-CIAA and All-American in 1949. He has coached at the high school and college level including Jackson State University, Kentucky State University, and was later with Tennessee State University.