best university of houston basketball players
The University of Houston has a long and storied basketball history, producing many talented players over the years. From NBA legends to college stars, here are some of the best University of Houston basketball players of all time:
- Hakeem Olajuwon – Olajuwon is arguably the greatest basketball player to come out of the University of Houston. He played for the Cougars from 1981 to 1984 and led the team to three Final Four appearances. He was named the National Player of the Year in 1984 and went on to have a legendary NBA career, winning two championships with the Houston Rockets.
- Elvin Hayes – Hayes is another University of Houston legend, playing for the Cougars from 1964 to 1968. He led the team to two Final Four appearances and was named an All-American twice. He went on to have a successful NBA career and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990.
- Clyde Drexler – Drexler played for Houston from 1980 to 1983 and was one of the most exciting players in college basketball during his time there. He led the Cougars to the Final Four in 1982 and was named an All-American in 1983. He went on to have a successful NBA career, winning a championship with the Rockets and being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004.
- Otis Birdsong – Birdsong played for Houston from 1973 to 1977 and was a dominant force for the Cougars during his time there. He finished his career with 2,832 points and was named an All-American in 1977. He went on to have a successful NBA career, playing for several teams over 12 seasons.
- Michael Young – Young played for Houston from 1980 to 1984 and was a key player for the Cougars during their run of success in the early 1980s. He finished his career with 2,498 points and was named an All-American in 1984. He had a brief NBA career before playing professionally overseas.
- Dwight Davis – Davis played for Houston from 1970 to 1973 and was a standout player for the Cougars during his time there. He finished his career with 1,911 points and was named an All-American in 1973. He went on to have a brief NBA career before playing professionally overseas.
- Rob Williams – Williams played for Houston from 1981 to 1985 and was a key player for the Cougars during their run of success in the early 1980s. He finished his career with 2,282 points and was named an All-American in 1985. He had a brief NBA career before playing professionally overseas.
- Don Chaney – Chaney played for Houston from 1966 to 1968 and was a key player for the Cougars during his time there. He was a two-time All-American and helped lead the team to two Final Four appearances. He went on to have a successful NBA career, playing for several teams over 11 seasons.
- Rob McKiver – McKiver played for Houston from 2006 to 2008 and was one of the best scorers in school history. He finished his career with 1,731 points and was named to the All-Conference USA first team twice. He currently plays professionally overseas.
- Aubrey Coleman – Coleman played for Houston from 2008 to 2010 and was a versatile player for the Cougars. He finished his career with 1,857 points and was named the Conference USA Player of the Year in 2010. He had a brief NBA career before playing professionally overseas.