Hayes, Elvin (1945-…), ranks among the leading centers in basketball history. Hayes was known for his scoring, quick moves on offense, and strong rebounding. Hayes played for 16 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). His career totals of 27,313 points and 16,279 rebounds placed him among the NBA leaders in both categories.
Hayes was born in Rayville, Louisiana on Nov. 17, 1945. He played college ball for the University of Houston, winning All-American honors his final three years in 1966, 1967, and 1968. Hayes starred in one of the most publicized college games ever played, a 1968 contest between the University of Houston and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). He scored 39 points and had 15 rebounds as Houston defeated UCLA 71-69, ending a 47-game winning streak for UCLA. A record 52,693 spectators watched the game.
Hayes was drafted by the San Diego (later Houston) Rockets in 1968. He led the NBA in scoring with an average of 28.4 points a game his rookie season. He was traded to the Baltimore (later Washington) Bullets in 1972. Hayes led the Bullets to the NBA championship in 1977-1978. He was traded back to Houston in 1981 and played with the Rockets until he retired in 1984. Hayes was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1990.
