Elvin Ernest Hayes, nicknamed "the Big E", is an American former professional basketball player and radio analyst for his alma mater Houston Cougars. He is a member of the NBA's 50th and 75th anniversary teams, and an inductee in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Known for both his offensive and defensive prowess, Hayes is often regarded as one of the best power forwards in NBA history. Hayes is also known for his longevity, being third all-time in NBA minutes played, and missing only nine games during his 16-season career.
Hayes with the Washington Bullets in 1975
Hayes with San Diego in 1969
Hayes at the University of Houston
One of five numbers retired by the University of Houston men's basketball team, Hayes's No. 44 hangs in Fertitta Center.
Houston Cougars men's basketball
The Houston Cougars men's basketball team represents the University of Houston in Houston, Texas, in the NCAA Division I men's basketball competition. They compete as members of the Big 12 Conference. The program has made six appearances in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament Final Four, which is tied for 10th most all-time, along with the most for any team who has not won a national championship.
Clyde Drexler performs a slam dunk as a member of the Houston Cougars men's basketball team under Lewis
The Houston Cougars at the 2008 CBI
Sampson, courtside in 2023
'"`UNIQ--templatestyles-00000041-QINU`"'OtisBirdsong 1973–77