[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 175 (Tuesday, November 13, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2397-E2398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         NBA GREAT ELVIN HAYES

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 13, 2007

  Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, today I am proud to recognize NBA great Elvin 
Hayes. The basketball star known as the ``Big E'', from Rayville, 
Louisiana, was one of the most talented power forwards to play the 
game. His notorious turnaround jump shot, aggressive defense, and 
outspoken demeanor were legendary and earned him a place in the NBA 
record books.
  He first picked up a basketball in the eighth grade when a teacher 
put him on the school basketball team. Although he initially showed no 
proclivity for sports, he was determined to improve. He spent his 
summers practicing and developing his skills. By the time he attended 
Eula Britton High School in Rayville; he averaged 35 points per game 
and led his team to 54 straight wins.
  Basketball became an opportunity for a better life for Hayes. He was 
recruited by more than 100 colleges, and chose the University of 
Houston, where he became one of the first African-American athletes. In 
college, he debuted on the national basketball scene and was able to 
hone his game, and establish a style that would eventually make him a 
feared NBA player.
  Hayes became a three-time All-American, leading the Houston Cougars 
to an 81-12 record and two Final Four appearances. Basketball fans 
across the country watched this nationally televised college game as he 
and his University of Houston teammates defeated UCLA and Lew Alcindor, 
later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, in ``the game of the century'' at 
the Astrodome. I was one of the 50,00 plus fans at the Astrodome 
watching the University of Houston defeat the #1 ranked and undefeated 
UCLA Bruins. In his college career, Hayes scored 2,884 points, 31 
points per game, 1,602 rebounds, with 17 rebounds per game, and was 
named the 1968 college player of the year. Before retiring in 1984, he 
returned to the Houston Rockets for three seasons. Hayes' NBA 
accomplishments include leading the league in scoring in '69; All-NBA 
first team in '75, '77 & '79; All-NBA Defensive Team in '74 & '75; and 
twelve-time NBA All-Star from '69-80. He scored 27,313 points, 
averaging 21 points per game in 1,303 professional games; he grabbed 
16,279 rebounds; played more minutes than any player in history; and 
ranked third all-time in games played and blocked shots. In 1990, he 
was inducted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and in 
1996, he was named to the NBA 50th Anniversary All-Time Team, and was 
chosen as one of professional basketball's top five players during the 
NBA'S 50th anniversary celebration.
  When I served on the bench as a Judge in Texas, I recruited Elvin 
Hayes to coach a team of probationers in a basketball match against a 
team from the Houston police department. He agreed to coach this 
goodwill game although the police department team won.
  Life has definitely gone on after basketball for the ``BIG E.'' After 
his all-star college and NBA career, Hayes returned to the University 
of Houston to complete his college education, and became a successful 
businessman. Today, at age 60, he has set his sights on yet another 
challenge, one that fulfills a childhood dream. On October 16, he 
completed a nine-month peace officer training program and joined the 
Liberty County Texas Sheriff's Department as a reserve deputy sheriff. 
He admits that years ago, when he sat on one of my grand juries, the 
law enforcement seed was watered.
  Legendary coach Al McGuire taught Hayes that a successful person is 
one who can do something great, go on to something else, and be 
successful in the next field too. That philosophy was branded in the 
``Big E's'' mind. All of his college, NBA, and business accomplishments 
shaped and changed his life. Basketball taught him discipline, 
teamwork, and hard work, making him one of the NBA's 50 greatest 
basketball players. He took the lessons learned on the court to the 
business world when he opened a car dealership. From the business 
world, he learned a very important formula; integrity, commitment and a 
caring heart. He now uses that formula in law enforcement, where he is 
once again part of a team, where each member compliments the abilities 
of fellow law enforcement officers.
  Hayes will be patrolling Liberty County as a reserve deputy sheriff, 
for 20 hours each month. Like everything else in his life, he is very 
committed to it. Accomplishing his childhood dream of becoming a police 
officer is one of the most gratifying and rewarding feelings he has 
ever had, even topping an NBA championship! The training process was 
more challenging than he expected. he had to learn countless codes, 
laws, and cases. You see, Texas has the highest standards of law 
enforcement than any other state, requiring 809 class work and physical 
training hours. In basketball, you have physical challenges, but 
training to be a peace officer was mentally and physically challenging. 
The ``Big E'' is a goal setter, and his goal now is to become one of 
the top law enforcement officers.
  His first few weeks as a reserve deputy sheriff have been very quiet 
so far, but Hayes would never call it routine, since ``routine'' 
traffic stops in law enforcement can be some of the most dangerous. His 
6'9" frame usually helps deter people from making bad decisions, but he 
knows that some people will feel threatened by his height and want to 
prove themselves. Law enforcement officers prefer to use verbal means 
to communicate, instead of physical means, but Hayes has been trained 
and is prepared for whatever situations may unfold.
  Hayes will deal with those who invite him into his life by breaking 
the law, but he will also work with kids to help them set and achieve 
positive goals, so they can be productive citizens. He is a law 
enforcer, but is definitely willing to be a mentor to today's youth. He 
will visit schools and talk to kids to counter the messages they hear 
in today's rap music.

[[Page E2398]]

 He hopes to convey that those who desire a family unit can obtain one 
through positive means. Since there is a shortage of police officers, 
he encourages young people to consider a career in law enforcement, 
which allows individuals to focus on making their communities a 
positive place to live. There are more prisons being built in our 
country than schools; and Hayes would like to do his part to see that 
change, by keeping kids out of the criminal justice system.
  Hayes encourages young people to be themselves. ``Don't try to be 
like someone else, don't try to emulate what you hear in rap music; 
don't try to do what you see basketball players doing. Pick a goal and 
each and everyday, do something to try to accomplish that goal. Hard 
work, dedication, and sacrifice are the formula for success!''
  The extremely popular basketball star, businessman, and reserve 
deputy sheriff believes that in life you should ``continuously look for 
challenges.'' The reserve deputy position is another way for him to set 
a positive example for young people. Not everyone can be a professional 
athlete, a rapper, or actor, but everyone can give back to the 
community.
  I am proud to recognize my friend, Elvin Hayes for his 
accomplishments on and off of the basketball court. He is a role model 
for us all, and a shining example of hard work, determination, and 
service to the community.
  That's just the way it is.

                          ____________________