[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 60 (Saturday, April 12, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E772]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  GUY LEWIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN ELECTED INTO THE BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME

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                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 11, 2003

  Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I was disappointed to learn that 
this past Monday, Guy V. Lewis was not elected into the Basketball Hall 
of Fame, despite of his obvious qualifications and contributions to the 
game.
  Coach Lewis has had a tremendous impact on the game of basketball 
throughout our country and in Texas, having coached the University of 
Houston Cougars for more than 30 years. This university is my alma 
mater, and the school pride that he instilled during the tenure still 
lingers today.
  This exemplary coach led the Cougars to 592 wins, 5 final fours, 14 
NCAA title games, and 2 NCAA titles.
  He also coached his team in the historical 1968 UH vs. UCLA game, 
which was the first collegiate game ever nationally televised and the 
largest crowd to watch a collegiate game at that time. I'm proud to say 
I was there as a University of Houston student.
  Star players Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, and Elvin Hayes, all 
named among the NBA's 50 greatest players of all time, got their start 
at the University of Houston with Coach Lewis. But despite all of Coach 
Lewis' accomplishments, he was still over looked for the Hall of Fame.
  Coach Lewis is only 81 years old, and although he may not have been 
elected this time around, I want him to know that sports fans 
everywhere consider him to be a true pioneer of basketball.
  I know that I speak for all Houstonians when I say that we are very 
proud of Coach Lewis. I look forward to congratulating him on his 
election into the Basketball Hall of Fame in the very near future.

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