Elvin Hayes Biography: The Life and Career of a Basketball Legend
Elvin Hayes is a retired American basketball player who is widely regarded as one of the best power forwards in NBA history. Born on November 17, 1945, in Rayville, Louisiana, Hayes played for the University of Houston and went on to have a successful professional career spanning over 16 years. He was known for his offensive and defensive prowess, and was a prolific scorer and rebounder.
Hayes was nicknamed “the Big E” due to his imposing stature and impressive skills on the court. He was a member of the NBA’s 50th and 75th anniversary teams, and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1990. Hayes played for several teams during his career, including the San Diego/Houston Rockets, Baltimore/Capital/Washington Bullets, and the Houston Rockets (again). He retired from professional basketball in 1984, after playing in 1,303 games and scoring a total of 27,313 points.
Key Takeaways
- Elvin Hayes is widely regarded as one of the best power forwards in NBA history.
- He was known for his offensive and defensive prowess, and was a prolific scorer and rebounder.
- Hayes played for several teams during his career, including the San Diego/Houston Rockets, Baltimore/Capital/Washington Bullets, and the Houston Rockets (again).
Early Life
Elvin Hayes was born on November 17, 1945, in Rayville, Louisiana, to Christopher and Savannah Hayes. He was the youngest of six children. His parents were cotton mill laborers, and they lived in a minor, impoverished settlement.
Hayes grew up in a difficult environment, and he had to work hard from a young age. He helped his family by working in the cotton fields, and he also had to walk several miles to school every day. Despite these challenges, Hayes was determined to succeed.
Hayes was introduced to basketball by his older brother, and he quickly developed a passion for the sport. He played for his high school team, where he averaged an impressive 35 points per game. This caught the attention of several college recruiters, and Hayes eventually decided to attend the University of Houston.
At Houston, Hayes became one of the most dominant players in college basketball. He was named an All-American three times and led the Cougars to the Final Four in 1967. Hayes was also known for his incredible work ethic and dedication to the game, which helped him become one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
High School Career
Elvin Hayes was born on November 17, 1945, in Rayville, Louisiana. He attended Eula D. Britton High School in Houston, Texas, where he played basketball under the guidance of coach Ray Knoblauch.
During his high school career, Hayes became one of the most dominant players in the state of Texas. He led his team to a 36-0 record and a state championship in his senior year. He also set a state record by scoring 74 points in a single game.
Hayes’ impressive performances in high school earned him a scholarship to play college basketball at the University of Houston. His success continued at the college level, where he became one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Overall, Hayes’ high school career was a testament to his incredible talent and work ethic. His success on the basketball court set the stage for an illustrious career at the college and professional levels.
College Career
Elvin Hayes played college basketball for the University of Houston from 1965 to 1968. During his time there, Hayes was a three-time consensus All-American and led the Cougars to the Final Four of the 1967 NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament. He also helped Houston reach the Western Regional semifinals of the 1966 NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament before losing to the Pac-8 champion Oregon State Beavers.
University of Houston
Hayes attended the University of Houston, where he became one of the greatest players in the school’s history. He was a dominant force on both ends of the court, averaging 31.0 points and 17.2 rebounds per game during his college career. He was named the Southwest Conference Player of the Year in each of his three seasons at Houston.
NCAA Record
Hayes set an NCAA record for most rebounds in a single season with 620 during the 1967-68 season, a record that still stands to this day. He also finished his college career with 2,884 points, which was the most in NCAA history at the time. Hayes’ incredible college career earned him a spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1990.
Hayes’ success at the college level was a sign of things to come, as he went on to have a Hall of Fame career in the NBA.
Professional Career
San Diego Rockets
Hayes was selected as the first overall pick in the 1968 NBA draft by the San Diego Rockets. He immediately made an impact, averaging 28.4 points and 17.1 rebounds per game in his rookie season. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team and finished second in Rookie of the Year voting.
Washington Bullets
In 1972, Hayes was traded to the Washington Bullets, where he played for nine seasons. During his time with the Bullets, he was named to the NBA All-Star team eight times and helped lead the team to the NBA Finals three times. In 1978, he helped the Bullets win their first and only NBA championship, averaging 21.8 points and 12.1 rebounds per game in the Finals and earning the Finals MVP award.
Houston Rockets
Hayes returned to the Rockets in 1981, where he played for three more seasons before retiring in 1984. He was still a productive player in his second stint with the team, averaging 17.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in his first season back in Houston.
During his career, Hayes was known for his scoring ability and his rebounding prowess. He finished his career with 27,313 points (eighth all-time) and 16,279 rebounds (fourth all-time). He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1990.
Post-Retirement
After retiring from basketball in 1984, Elvin Hayes continued to work in the sport as a commentator and analyst for various media outlets. He also became involved in real estate and opened his own company, Elvin Hayes Enterprises, which focused on commercial and residential properties in the Houston area.
In addition to his business ventures, Hayes remained active in the Houston community. He founded the Elvin Hayes Foundation, which provided scholarships for underprivileged students in the Houston Independent School District. He also served as a board member for the Houston Parks and Recreation Department and was involved in various other charitable organizations.
Hayes’ contributions to the sport of basketball were recognized when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1990. He was also named to the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1996 and the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
Despite his many accomplishments, Hayes remained humble throughout his post-retirement years. He once said, “I was just a basketball player. I played the game because I loved it, not because I wanted to be famous or make a lot of money. I’m grateful for everything that basketball has given me, but I never let it define who I am.”
Awards and Achievements
Throughout his career, Elvin Hayes was recognized for his exceptional skills and accomplishments on the court. Here are some of the most notable awards and achievements that he received:
- NBA champion (1978)
- NBA scoring champion (1969)
- NBA All-Star (12 times)
- All-NBA First Team (6 times)
- All-NBA Second Team (2 times)
- NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2 times)
- NBA 50th Anniversary All-Time Team
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee
Hayes’ achievements were not limited to the NBA. He also enjoyed a successful college career, during which he led the University of Houston to the NCAA Final Four in 1967 and 1968. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Hayes was named to the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
Hayes’ impact on the game of basketball extended beyond his individual accolades. He was known for his tenacity, endurance, and consistency, which helped him to become one of the most respected players of his time. His style of play was characterized by his ability to score from all areas of the court, as well as his tenacious defense and rebounding.
Overall, Elvin Hayes’ career was marked by a remarkable level of success and recognition. His contributions to the sport of basketball have earned him a lasting place in the history of the game, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of players and fans alike.
Personal Life
Elvin Hayes was born on November 17, 1945, and grew up in Rayville, Louisiana. He was the ninth of 13 children and his parents were sharecroppers. Hayes married Erna Hayes in 1972, and they have three children together.
Hayes was known for his love of hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed playing golf and tennis in his free time. Hayes has been involved in several charitable organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the United Negro College Fund.
In addition to his philanthropic work, Hayes has also been involved in politics. He served as a member of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports during the Reagan administration. He also ran for a seat on the Houston City Council in 2003 but was not elected.
Overall, Hayes has been a well-respected figure both on and off the court. He has been praised for his work ethic, dedication, and commitment to his community.
Legacy
Elvin Hayes is widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history. He was a 12-time All-Star and a member of the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. Hayes is also an inductee in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Hayes’ legacy is defined by his incredible scoring ability and his tenacious rebounding. He was known for his signature turnaround jump shot, which was nearly impossible to defend. Hayes was also a dominant force on the boards, finishing his career with an average of 12.5 rebounds per game.
Hayes’ impact on the game of basketball extends beyond his individual accomplishments. He was a key member of the Washington Bullets team that won the NBA Championship in 1978. Hayes’ leadership and work ethic helped to establish a winning culture in Washington that lasted for years.
Off the court, Hayes has continued to be a respected figure in the basketball community. He has worked as a radio analyst for his alma mater, the University of Houston, and has been a mentor to many young players. Hayes’ dedication to the game and his commitment to excellence have made him a beloved figure in the world of basketball.
Frequently Asked Questions
What teams did Elvin Hayes play for in the NBA?
Elvin Hayes played for three teams during his NBA career. He started with the San Diego Rockets in 1968 and played for them until 1972. He then played for the Baltimore/Capital/Washington Bullets from 1972 to 1981. Finally, he played for the Houston Rockets from 1981 to 1984.
How long did Elvin Hayes play in the NBA?
Elvin Hayes played in the NBA for 16 seasons, from 1968 to 1984. He retired at the age of 38.
Who did Elvin Hayes play college basketball for?
Elvin Hayes played college basketball for the University of Houston. He was a consensus All-American in 1968 and led the Cougars to the Final Four that same year.
Is Elvin Hayes still alive?
Yes, Elvin Hayes is still alive. He was born on November 17, 1945, and is currently 77 years old.
Who is Elvin Hayes married to?
Elvin Hayes is married to Erna Hayes. They have been married since 1972 and have two children together.
What are some interesting facts about Elvin Hayes?
- Elvin Hayes was known for his signature move, the turnaround jump shot.
- He was the first overall pick in the 1968 NBA draft.
- Hayes was a 12-time NBA All-Star and won an NBA championship with the Washington Bullets in 1978.
- He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1990.