Role of staff ace up for grabs

By Josh Gajewski
Daily Cougar Staff

Each all-star game from 1983-1994, Clyde Drexler and fellow Cougar Hakeem Olajuwon would sit down, recall past memories and chat about the idea of teaming up one last time on the hardcourt.

According to Drexler, they finally gave up the dream in 1995, just before it finally happened -- a Valentine's Day deal pulled by Rockets owner Les Alexander brought 'The Glyde' home once and for all.

Last Thursday, Olajuwon stood by his side once again, as Drexler's No. 22 jersey was retired in a chilling ceremony at Compaq Center.

"It's a unique honor because I grew up in the city of Houston watching the Rockets as a kid," Drexler said. "I never knew I was going to actually play for them, and its just a tremendous feeling."

The tribute included appearances by former players, coaches and teammates, including NBA legend Julius Erving, former UH head coach Guy V. Lewis and many others.

Drexler was selected to 10 all-star games and started four. With the Rockets, he averaged 19 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 219 games. In 1995, Drexler finally won his elusive championship ring alongside Olajuwon, whose own ceremony shouldn't be too far off.

"It's very gratifying for us because we came such a long way," Drexler added. "For us, (1995's championship) kind of took the place of the one we lost in college."