Basketball in Houston has a deep history, with the University of Houston Cougars and the Houston Rockets gifting some of the greatest players in the game. From big men who dominated to flying guards, these players have left their mark on the sport. Below is a list of the top 10 all-time Houston men’s basketball players.
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Houston’s Top 10 Greatest Men’s Basketball Players
1) Hakeem Olajuwon, 1981-84
Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon dominated the court from 1981 to 1984 with the Cougars. The Rockets drafted him in 1984. He revolutionized the position of center. He bamboozled the defense with his footwork and agility. He was a 12-time All-Star selection and captured the NBA crown twice in 1994 and 1995, taking home Finals MVP both years.
2) Elvin Hayes, 1965-68
Elvin “The Big E” Hayes ruled the Cougars from 1965-1968. Drafted by the San Diego Rockets in 1968, he was unstoppable in the post. His rebounding and shot-blocking were dominant. A 12-time All-Star, Hayes also led the league in scoring as a rookie.
3) Clyde Drexler, 1965-68
Clyde “The Glide” Drexler soared with the Cougars from 1980 to 1983. Traded to the Rockets in 1995, he paired perfectly with Olajuwon. They clinched the 1995 NBA title together. A 10-time All-Star, Drexler’s flair landed him among the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players.
4) Dwight Jones, 1970-73
Dwight Jones led the Cougars from 1970 to 1973. Picked by the Hawks in 1973, he came on board with the Rockets in 1976. His defense and rebounding skills honed the frontcourt. Jones was integral to the early success of the team.
5) Otis Birdsong, 1973-77
Otis Birdsong excelled with the Cougars from 1973 to 1977. Having joined the Kings in 1977. His skills and subtle skills made him one of the sweethearts of the team in the eyes of the fans. A four-time All-Star, he left a scoring legacy in Houston.
6) Rob Williams, 1979-82
Rob Williams played for the Cougars from 1979 to 1982. He was drafted by the Nuggets in 1982. He added ball-handling skills and quick hands to the roster. Injuries were short-lived, but his presence was felt.
7) Michael Young, 1980-84
Michael Young flourished in the “Phi Slama Jama” years between 1980 and 1984. Drafted by the Suns in 1984. His dual role as a swingman was the primary reason for most of the triumphs that the team managed to clutch. Young’s leadership took the team forward.
8) Don Chaney, 1965-68
Don Chaney held down the Cougars from 1965-1968. Beginning with the Celtics in 1968, He was a five-time All-Defensive Second Team selection (1974, 1975). His athletic defense shut down guards. He harassed opponents on a nightly basis.
9) Marcus Sasser, 2019-23
Marcus Sasser represented the Cougars between 2019 and 2023, helping them reach the Final Four in 2021. His shot and his competitiveness won people over. Sasser’s hustle gained him Houston hearts.
10) Bo Outlaw, 1991-93
Bo Outlaw dominated the paint during his college career, leading the nation in field goal percentage in back-to-back seasons — 44.2% in 1992 and an impressive 49.5% in 1993.
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He also made his mark defensively, ranking 10th nationally in blocks per game with 3.1 in 1992 and climbing to third with 3.8 per game the following year. Despite playing only 61 games, Outlaw racked up 352 field goals, 555 rebounds, and 856 points, leaving a lasting impact in a short span.
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