About
Biography
Elvin Jr. Hayes, born November 17, 1945, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, is a former professional basketball player recognized for his scoring prowess and rebounding ability. He played college basketball at the University of Houston, where he became a standout player, earning All-American honors and leading the Cougars to the NCAA Tournament in 1967. Hayes was selected as the first overall pick in the 1968 NBA Draft by the San Diego Rockets.
During his 16-season career in the National Basketball Association (NBA), Hayes was a dominant force, known for his unique combination of size and skill. He played for the San Diego Rockets, the Houston Rockets, and the Washington Bullets, where he won an NBA championship in 1978. Hayes was a 12-time NBA All-Star and was named to the All-NBA First Team twice, reflecting his impact as one of the premier players of his era.
Hayes is renowned not only for his on-court achievements but also for his lasting influence on the game of basketball. He scored over 27,000 points throughout his career, ranking him among the top scorers in NBA history. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1990, Hayes's legacy endures, inspiring future generations of basketball players and solidifying his place as one of the game's all-time greats.