Best Houston Cougars Basketball Players Of All-Time
The Houston Cougars have a rich history of producing elite basketball players who have gone on to make a name for themselves at the collegiate and professional levels. From the Phi Slama Jama era to the present day, the Houston Cougars have always had a strong basketball program that has produced some of the best players in the game. Here, we take a look at some of the best Houston Cougars basketball players of all time.
Hakeem Olajuwon
When it comes to the best Houston Cougars basketball players of all time, Hakeem Olajuwon is at the top of the list. He played for the Cougars from 1981-1984 and was a two-time consensus All-American. He led the Cougars to three consecutive Final Four appearances and helped them reach the national championship game in 1983. Olajuwon was drafted first overall by the Houston Rockets in the 1984 NBA Draft and went on to have a Hall of Fame career. He won two NBA championships with the Rockets and was named NBA Finals MVP both times.
Clyde Drexler
Clyde Drexler played for the Houston Cougars from 1980-1983 and was a two-time All-American. He was a key member of the Phi Slama Jama teams that made it to the Final Four in 1982 and 1983. Drexler was drafted 14th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 1983 NBA Draft and went on to have a successful NBA career. He won an NBA championship with the Houston Rockets in 1995 and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004.
Elvin Hayes
Elvin Hayes played for the Houston Cougars from 1964-1968 and was a three-time consensus All-American. He led the Cougars to the Final Four in 1967 and was the first overall pick in the 1968 NBA Draft. Hayes went on to have a Hall of Fame career in the NBA, winning an NBA championship with the Washington Bullets in 1978.
Michael Young
Michael Young played for the Houston Cougars from 1980-1984 and was a two-time All-American. He was a member of the Phi Slama Jama teams that made it to the Final Four in 1982 and 1983. Young was drafted 24th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 1984 NBA Draft and played for several teams during his NBA career.
Don Chaney
Don Chaney played for the Houston Cougars from 1965-1968 and was a two-time All-American. He led the Cougars to the Final Four in 1967 and was drafted 12th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 1968 NBA Draft. Chaney went on to have a long NBA career and won two NBA championships with the Celtics.
Conclusion
The Houston Cougars have a long history of producing elite basketball talent and these players are just a few of the best to ever wear a Cougars uniform. From Hakeem Olajuwon to Don Chaney, these players have left their mark on the program and the game of basketball as a whole. As the Cougars continue to build their program, it's clear that they have a rich history to draw from and a bright future ahead.
