83R22251 STE-D

By: Coleman H.R. No. 1877

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Former University of Houston basketball coach Guy V. Lewis is receiving the ultimate accolade from his peers with his enshrinement in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2013; and

WHEREAS, A native Texan who was born in Arp, Guy Lewis began his involvement with University of Houston basketball as a player, serving as a team captain and helping the Cougars win two Lone Star Conference championships before graduating in 1947; he returned to his alma mater in 1953 as an assistant coach and moved up to the head coaching position three years later; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of the next three decades, Coach Lewis led his Cougar teams to 592 victories, 5 NCAA Final Four appearances, and 14 NCAA tournament berths, and his squads also tallied 2 regular season championships and 4 tournament titles against their Southwest Conference foes; moreover, this brilliant coach became a well-known basketball personality, famous for the trademark red polka-dot towel that he clutched during games; and

WHEREAS, Coach Lewis pushed collegiate basketball into the national spotlight when he suggested that the Cougars' 1968 game against hoops powerhouse UCLA and its star, Lew Alcindor, be played at the Astrodome; UH prevailed 71-69 in what was billed as the Game of the Century, and the contest drew what was, at that time, the largest number of ticket buyers and the biggest television audience to ever witness a basketball game; and

WHEREAS, Possessing an exceptional ability to recognize and recruit basketball talent, he coached 15 players who went on to become All-Americans, including such greats as Elvin Hayes, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Clyde Drexler, and 29 of his Cougar athletes were selected in the NBA draft; demonstrating admirable leadership as well, he played an important role in the early integration of college basketball by granting scholarships to Mr. Hayes, Don Chaney, and other African American players; and

WHEREAS, The "Phi Slama Jama" teams of the early 1980s were a highlight of Coach Lewis's career; capitalizing on his players' superb athleticism, he orchestrated a freewheeling offense that exhilarated fans and often culminated in rim-rattling dunks; the team played in two NCAA championship games during its run of three consecutive Final Four appearances, and its lineup included not only Mr. Olajuwon and Mr. Drexler but also Michael Young, Larry Micheaux, Rob Williams, Reid Gettys, Ricky Winslow, Greg Anderson, Alvin Franklin, and Benny Anders; and

WHEREAS, Widely respected for his accomplishments, Coach Lewis garnered national Coach of the Year honors in 1968 and 1983 and received the inaugural Don Haskins Texas Lifetime Achievement Award from the Houston Athletic Committee; in addition, UH has recognized his importance to the university by inducting him into its Hall of Honor and naming the Hofheinz Pavilion basketball floor Guy V. Lewis Court; and

WHEREAS, A coach of rare ability, Guy Lewis guided his teams to notable success on the court and contributed to several important advancements in college athletics, and he is indeed deserving of a place alongside the legendary figures who have left an indelible imprint on the game of basketball; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Guy V. Lewis on his enshrinement in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Coach Lewis as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.