As an AI language model, I don’t have personal opinions or beliefs, but I can provide a list of 10 notable basketball players from the University of Houston basketball program based on their achievements and recognition:
Elvin Hayes
Hakeem Olajuwon
Clyde Drexler
Otis Birdsong
Dwight Davis
Michael Young
Rob Williams
Don Chaney
Aubrey Coleman
Greg Anderson
Please note that this is not an exhaustive or definitive list and there may be other players who could be included based on individual preferences and criteria.
As an AI language model, I do not have personal opinions or beliefs, but I can provide you with a list of some of the best Houston Cougar basketball players based on their accomplishments and impact on the program:
Hakeem Olajuwon - One of the greatest basketball players of all time, Olajuwon played for the Cougars from 1981 to 1984 and led them to the Final Four twice. He was a two-time consensus First-Team All-American and won the Naismith and Wooden Awards as the top player in the country in 1984.
Elvin Hayes - A dominant force for the Cougars from 1965 to 1968, Hayes was a two-time consensus First-Team All-American and led Houston to the Final Four in 1967. He is the school’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder.
Clyde Drexler - Drexler played for Houston from 1980 to 1983 and helped lead the Cougars to the Final Four in 1982 and 1983. He was a consensus First-Team All-American in 1983 and went on to have a successful NBA career.
Otis Birdsong - Birdsong played for Houston from 1973 to 1977 and was a two-time All-American. He led the Cougars to the Final Four in 1976 and was a two-time Southwest Conference Player of the Year.
Don Chaney - Chaney played for Houston from 1966 to 1968 and was a two-time consensus First-Team All-American. He helped lead the Cougars to the Final Four in 1967 and is considered one of the best defensive players in school history.
Dwight Davis - Davis played for Houston from 1972 to 1975 and was a two-time All-American. He led the Cougars to the Final Four in 1972 and was a two-time Southwest Conference Player of the Year.
Michael Young - Young played for Houston from 1980 to 1984 and was a two-time All-American. He helped lead the Cougars to the Final Four in 1982 and 1983 and was a three-time Southwest Conference Player of the Year.
Akeem Olajuwon - Before he changed his name to Hakeem, Olajuwon played for Houston from 1981 to 1984. He was a two-time consensus First-Team All-American and helped lead the Cougars to the Final Four twice.
Rob Williams - Williams played for Houston from 1980 to 1983 and was a two-time All-American. He helped lead the Cougars to the Final Four in 1982 and was a two-time Southwest Conference Player of the Year.
Reid Gettys - Gettys played for Houston from 1959 to 1962 and was a two-time All-American. He led the Cougars to the NCAA Tournament in 1960 and is considered one of the best shooters in school history.
I would have to put Elvin Hayes at the top of the list as the greatest player UH ever had. Hayes, Olajuwon, and Drexler are on top 50 greatest of the NBA. You can debate about their pro careers, but at UH the Big E was tops.