Top 10 Houston Cougars Basketball Players of All Time

The University of Houston has a rich basketball history, producing some of the greatest players to ever grace the college hardwood. From their dominance in the 1960s and 1980s to recent success in the modern era, the Cougars have consistently fielded elite talent. Here’s a look at the top 10 Houston Cougars basketball players of all time.

1. Hakeem Olajuwon (1981–1984)

Widely regarded as the greatest player in Houston Cougars history, Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon was a dominant force on both ends of the floor. As a key member of the famed “Phi Slama Jama” teams, Olajuwon led Houston to three consecutive Final Four appearances, including a national championship game in 1983. Known for his impeccable footwork and shot-blocking ability, he was selected first overall in the 1984 NBA Draft and went on to have a Hall of Fame career with the Houston Rockets.

Hakeem Olajuwon Houston Cougars(College) Highlights

2. Elvin Hayes (1965–1968)

Before Olajuwon and Drexler, Elvin “The Big E” Hayes was the face of Houston basketball. A dominant power forward, Hayes led the Cougars to national prominence, including a famous upset over UCLA in the “Game of the Century” in 1968. He averaged 31.0 points and 17.2 rebounds per game during his college career and was the first pick in the 1968 NBA Draft. Hayes later had a stellar NBA career and was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Legendary Moments: University of Houston’s Elvin Hayes

3. Clyde Drexler (1980–1983)

A high-flying swingman and another cornerstone of “Phi Slama Jama,” Clyde Drexler was an electrifying player for the Cougars. His versatility, scoring ability, and rebounding prowess made him one of the best players in school history. Drexler went on to have an illustrious NBA career, winning an NBA championship and earning a Hall of Fame induction.

Slam Dunk Clyde Drexler College Houston

4. Otis Birdsong (1973–1977)

One of the most prolific scorers in Houston history, Otis Birdsong was a four-time All-SWC (Southwest Conference) selection and a consensus All-American in 1977. He left Houston as the school’s all-time leading scorer at the time, averaging 24.4 points per game in his senior season. Birdsong was selected second overall in the 1977 NBA Draft and had a solid NBA career.

Otis Birdsong: The NBA’s First Million Dollar Guard

5. Don Chaney (1965–1968)

Don Chaney was a key contributor alongside Elvin Hayes during Houston’s rise to national prominence. A tenacious defender and reliable scorer, Chaney helped Houston reach two Final Fours. He went on to play in the NBA for over a decade and later had a successful coaching career, winning the NBA Coach of the Year award twice.

DON CHANEY JERSEY RETIREMENT – Elvin Hayes

6. Rob Williams (1979–1982)

A lightning-quick guard, Rob Williams was the engine of the early “Phi Slama Jama” teams. He led Houston in scoring multiple seasons and was instrumental in the team’s deep NCAA Tournament runs. Williams was selected in the first round of the 1982 NBA Draft and played professionally for several years.

Rob Williams ● A Simple Tribute

7. Michael Young (1980–1984)

A crucial piece of the “Phi Slama Jama” era, Michael Young was a versatile forward who could score from anywhere on the floor. He finished his Houston career as one of the program’s top scorers and was an All-American in 1983. Young later played in the NBA and had a long professional career overseas.

Ever wondered what it’s like to play in 3 straight Final Four games? Michael Young knows.

8. Dwight Davis (1969–1972)

One of the most talented forwards in Houston history, Dwight Davis was an athletic and skilled scorer. He was a two-time All-SWC selection and was drafted third overall in the 1972 NBA Draft. Though injuries shortened his professional career, Davis remains one of the best players to don a Cougars uniform.

The Greatest Houston Basketball Players Of All Time 👑

9. Quentin Grimes (2019–2021)

A more recent star, Quentin Grimes played a crucial role in revitalizing Houston’s program under coach Kelvin Sampson. Leading the Cougars to the Final Four in 2021, Grimes was named AAC Co-Player of the Year and an All-American. He was later drafted into the NBA and continues to make an impact in professional basketball.

Ultimate Quentin Grimes Houston Highlights | 2019-20 | Does It ALL!!

10. Corey Davis Jr. (2017–2019)

A leader of Houston’s resurgence in the late 2010s, Corey Davis Jr. was a sharpshooting guard who led the Cougars to deep NCAA Tournament runs. Known for his clutch shooting and defensive intensity, Davis helped Houston establish itself as a national powerhouse once again under Kelvin Sampson.

Corey Davis Jr ‘Best Two-Way Player in College’ | Houston PG 2018-19 Highlights

Honorable Mentions:

• Fabian White Jr. – Houston’s all-time wins leader
• Alvin Franklin – Key player in the 1984 Final Four run
• Galen Robinson Jr. – Leader in assists and floor general

Conclusion

The Houston Cougars have built an impressive basketball legacy, producing Hall of Famers, NBA stars, and elite college players. From the dominance of Elvin Hayes to the athleticism of Clyde Drexler and the brilliance of Hakeem Olajuwon, these ten players represent the best of Houston basketball history. As the Cougars continue to build on their storied tradition, new legends will emerge to carry the program forward.