Google Search Link: Celebrating Houston's No. 34s: Earl Campbell, Hakeem Olajuwon and Nolan Ryan - Google Search
The three will be together - for what Campbell believes is the first time - to be honored by the Harris County Houston Sports Authority, sponsor of the presentation that will mix nostalgia with recognition of the city’s current sports stars.
Google Search Link: HCHSA Insider: Bill Worrell cherishes memories of chronicling Houston's legendary 34s - Google Search
Worrell watched Olajuwon go from a raw 6-10 curiosity as a freshman at UH to one of the best centers in the game. Olajuwon went to three consecutive Final Fours as member of the Cougars’ Phi Slama Jama teams, then led the Rockets to back-to-back NBA titles in 1994 and 1995.
"Hakeem was the greatest natural athlete I believe I ever saw,‘’ Worrell said. "There just wasn’t anything he couldn’t do. He came in scoring, then he found out he couldn’t do that and win championships so he was scoring and rebounding, then he became a great shot blocker. Every summer he would go down to Fonde Recreation Center and play against Moses Malone and those guys and he would come back to the Rockets with a new shot.
This is a great idea. Hopefully, they recognize UH athletes (and don’t pull in UT and A&M athletes that don’t have other ties to Houston)
Mubah Car !! I ran into him at HEB, super humble guy. I am excited for him
• Carl Lewis. Nine Olympic golds, one silver. The Houston Cougar was a sprinter and long jumper and one of only three athletes who won the same event (long jump) in four consecutive Olympics.
• Clyde “The Glide” Drexler. Played with Olajuwon during the Phi Slama Jama days at UH, helping Houston to two Final Fours. Was an All-Star in Portland for his first 12 seasons before asking for a trade and reuniting with Olajuwon in 1995 and helping the Rockets to their second NBA championship. Olympic gold medalist and current Rockets TV analyst.
• Elvin Hayes and Don Chaney. In 1966, they were the first two African-American basketball players for the Houston Cougars. Played in the Game of the Century in 1968 when UH defeated UCLA 71-69 to snap the Bruins’ 47-game win streak. Hayes was a 12-time NBA All-Star; Chaney won two NBA titles with the Celtics and also coached the Rockets, Clippers, Pistons and Knicks.
• Andre Ware. Heisman Trophy winner from UH. Enough said.
• Judge Roy Hofheinz. Former Houston mayor, county judge and state representative who helped bring the Colt .45s to Houston then changed the face of stadiums with the opening of the Astrodome in 1965.
As an aside on this, very disappointed that they didn’t include the University of Houston on Hakeem’s plaque.
I agree. Makes you wonder.
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