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Katy Today
By the People, for the People
Breakfast with Elvin Hayes, Still the Big E in the Bayou City
The Hall of Famer reflects on beating UCLA's 47-0 team and the turnaround jumper that helped elevate Houston basketball.
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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Elvin Hayes, a 12-time NBA All-Star, World Champion, and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, joined Sporting News for a wide-ranging conversation at an iconic local eatery in Houston's Galleria. Hayes discussed his iconic college matchup against UCLA's undefeated team, his perspective on the modern NBA All-Star Game, and his signature turnaround jumper that made him a Houston legend.
Why it matters
Elvin Hayes' legacy as 'The Big E' in Houston basketball history remains strong decades after his playing days. His 1968 upset of the UCLA Bruins' 47-0 team put Houston on the national map and helped elevate the city's basketball profile. As the sport continues to evolve, Hayes' insights provide valuable perspective on the game's past, present, and future.
The details
During the breakfast conversation, Hayes reflected on the significance of the 1968 'Game of the Century' against UCLA, which was the first nationally televised college basketball game. He noted that at the time, no one thought Houston could beat the dominant Bruins, making the upset all the more remarkable. Hayes also discussed the differences between the competitive spirit of the modern NBA All-Star Game and his own playing days, as well as the accomplishments of Houston coaching legend Guy Lewis and current Cougars coach Kelvin Sampson.
- The 'Game of the Century' between Houston and UCLA took place in January 1968.
- Elvin Hayes joined Sporting News for the breakfast interview in February 2026.
The players
Elvin Hayes
A 12-time NBA All-Star, World Champion, and member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, known affectionately as 'The Big E' in Houston.
Kelvin Sampson
The current head coach of the University of Houston men's basketball team, who was recently inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Guy Lewis
The legendary former head coach of the University of Houston men's basketball team, who was also inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Hakeem
A 5-year-old local boy in Katy, Texas who is passionate about basketball and plays for hours every day.
George Gervin
A former NBA player known for his signature 'finger roll' shot.
What they’re saying
“It was the first game to ever be nationally televised and at the time UCLA was 47-0. We beat them. That was impossible to do. Nobody thought we could do it.”
— Elvin Hayes (Sporting News)
“It's different now. It's not nearly as competitive as we were. The guys are happy to participate in it as I was when I played, but that's where the comparison ends.”
— Elvin Hayes (Sporting News)
“With a large grin, he said, 'hit my turnaround jumper over and over,' chuckling as if he could still see defenders leaning helplessly backward.”
— Elvin Hayes (Sporting News)
“It's remarkable what Kelvin has done. It's just a constant mindset of a winner. He deserves to be joining coach Lewis there for all of eternity.”
— Elvin Hayes (Sporting News)
“You have to keep him involved and playing every day. Let him know that he's named after a great player.”
— Elvin Hayes (Sporting News)
The takeaway
Elvin Hayes' enduring legacy as a Houston basketball icon underscores the lasting impact of his iconic college upset of UCLA and his signature turnaround jumper that made him a dominant force in the NBA. His insights on the evolution of the game provide valuable perspective, while his advice for a young Hakeem in Katy, Texas shows Hayes' continued commitment to nurturing the next generation of basketball talent in the Bayou City.
