Elvin Hayes Then and Now

Elvin Hayes Then

Elvin Hayes, born on November 17, 1945, in Rayville, Louisiana, is a notable figure in the history of basketball. 

His journey to stardom began in high school, where he demonstrated remarkable talent by averaging 35 points per game. 

This impressive performance on the court led him to the University of Houston in Texas. 

At Houston, Hayes continued to showcase his exceptional skills, earning All-America honors three times throughout his college career. 

His college statistics are a testament to his dominance, with an average of 31 points and 17.2 rebounds per game.

In 1968, Hayes’ stellar performance earned him the prestigious title of College Player of the Year. 

One of the most memorable moments of his college career came that same year when he scored 39 points in a game that broke the University of California, Los Angeles’ (UCLA) 47-game winning streak. 

This game was particularly significant not only for ending the reign of UCLA and their star player Lew Alcindor (later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) but also because it was the first nationally televised collegiate basketball game. 

Held at the Houston Astrodome, it attracted a crowd of 52,693 spectators, marking a pivotal moment in college basketball history.

Elvin Hayes Career History

Elvin Hayes, famously known as “The Big E,” made an indelible mark on the NBA with his outstanding performances and significant contributions to the sport.

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As the first overall pick in the 1968 NBA draft, Hayes quickly established himself as a formidable force in the league. 

In his rookie season, he led the league in scoring with an impressive 28.4 points per game while also averaging 17.1 rebounds per game for the San Diego Rockets, who later became the Houston Rockets.

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His immediate impact on the league was a testament to his exceptional skills and readiness for professional play.

In 1972, Hayes was traded to the Baltimore Bullets, a move that would further solidify his legacy.

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By 1975, the team had relocated to Landover, Maryland, and was renamed the Washington Bullets. 

Under Hayes’ leadership, the Bullets achieved significant success, culminating in their 1978 NBA Championship victory.

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This championship marked a high point in Hayes’ career and demonstrated his ability to lead and perform at the highest levels of the sport.

When Hayes retired in 1984, his career statistics placed him among the greatest players in NBA history. 

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He ranked as the second-leading scorer in the league’s history, amassing a total of 27,313 points, which averaged out to 21 points per game.

Additionally, he was third in career rebounds, with a total of 16,279, averaging 12.5 per game. 

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These remarkable achievements underscored his consistency and dominance on the court throughout his career.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to basketball, Elvin Hayes was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1990.

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His legacy was further cemented in 1996 when he was named one of the NBA’s 50 greatest players, a fitting tribute to a player who had such a profound impact on the game. 

Hayes’ career remains an inspiration to players and fans alike, celebrating a legacy of excellence and achievement in professional basketball.

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Elvin Hayes Height

Standing at an imposing height of 2.06 meters (6 feet 9 inches), Elvin Hayes used his remarkable stature to become one of the most dominant forces in basketball history.

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Elvin Hayes Retirement

When Elvin Hayes retired in 1984, he left an enduring legacy in the NBA, having achieved remarkable milestones that highlighted his exceptional career. 

At the time of his retirement, Hayes ranked as the second-leading scorer in league history with an impressive 27,313 points.

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This accomplishment underscored his consistent scoring ability, averaging 21 points per game throughout his career. 

Hayes’ scoring prowess made him one of the most reliable and prolific offensive players of his era, contributing significantly to his teams’ successes.

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Elvin Hayes Wife

Elvin Hayes has been supported throughout his illustrious career and beyond by his wife, Erna. 

Together, they have built a loving family, raising four children: Elvin, Jr., Erna, Erica, and Ethan. 

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This strong family foundation has been a cornerstone of Hayes’ life, providing him with stability and support both during his playing days and in his retirement.

The Hayes family’s close-knit bond and shared experiences have undoubtedly contributed to Elvin Hayes’ enduring success and legacy, both on and off the basketball court.

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Elvin Hayes Now

Elvin Hayes, currently 78 years old, is a celebrated figure in the world of basketball, known not only for his outstanding career as a professional player but also for his contributions as a radio analyst for his alma mater, the Houston Cougars. 

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His post-retirement involvement with the Cougars showcases his enduring passion for the game and his commitment to nurturing future generations of basketball talent.

Hayes’ legacy in the NBA is highlighted by his inclusion in both the 50th and 75th-anniversary teams, an honor that recognizes the most influential and skilled players in the history of the league. 

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These selections underscore his impact on the sport, marking him as one of the greatest players to ever grace the basketball court.

His impressive career statistics, including being the second-leading scorer and third-leading rebounder at the time of his retirement, have left an indelible mark on the NBA record books.

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In addition to his on-court achievements, Hayes’ contributions to basketball have been formally acknowledged with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

This prestigious honor reflects his significant influence on the sport, both through his exceptional performance during his playing years and his continued involvement in basketball through various roles.

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Elvin Hayes’ journey from a standout player in high school and college to a legendary figure in professional basketball and beyond demonstrates his profound dedication to the sport. 

His legacy is one of excellence, resilience, and a lasting commitment to the game of basketball.

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