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Birdsong Now a Collegiate Basketball HOFer
3/28/2018 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. - University of Houston Men's Basketball legend Otis Birdsong will become one of the newest members of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame when he is formally enshrined in November.
Birdsong was announced Wednesday morning as part of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame's 2018 class, which features six former standout players and a pair of decorated former coaches. He joins Arkansas' Sidney Moncrief, Arizona's Sean Elliott, North Carolina's Sam Perkins, Morgan State's Marvin Webster, USC's Paul Westphal, former Charleston Coach John Kresse and former Oregon Tech Coach Danny Miles.
The National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame is located inside the College Basketball Experience (CBE), a world-class experiential entertainment facility adjacent to Kansas City's Sprint Center. The Hall of Fame's 13th induction celebration will be held Nov. 18 in Kansas City.
Birdsong became the third Cougar to earn membership in the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, joining Elvin Hayes (2013) and Coach Guy V. Lewis (2007).
ABOUT OTIS BIRDSONG
From 1973 to 1977, Birdsong was one of the nation's elite college basketball stars. He amassed 2,832 points during his career, a total which ranks second in Houston history and continues to rank 15th in NCAA history.
The Winter Haven, Fla., native continues to rank third in Houston history in steals and eighth in assists and became the first player in school history to top the 1,000-Point milestone as a sophomore.
As a senior in 1976-77, he averaged 30.3 points per game while leading the Cougars to a 29-8 overall record and the NIT championship game. Following that year, he was named the Southwest Conference Player of the Year and a consensus All-American.
Birdsong was taken with the No. 2 pick in the 1977 NBA Draft by the Kansas City Kings and went on to compete in a 12-year NBA career that saw him score more than 12,000 points. He was a 1981 All-NBA Second Team honoree, ranking sixth in the league with 24.6 points per game in his second season, and was a four-time NBA All-Star.
Birdsong was selected for the United States team that posted a perfect 9-0 record and captured the gold medal at the 1975 Pan American Games and was honored as the Most Valuable Player.
He was inducted into the Houston Athletics Hall of Honor in 2000 and was named to the Silver Anniversary All-America Team by the National Association of Basketball Coaches at the 2002 NCAA Final Four.
SECURE SEATS in the FERTITTA CENTER
University of Houston Men's Basketball fans are invited to purchase 2018-19 season tickets as the Cougars compete in the $60-million Fertitta Center for the first time. Fans may purchase season tickets for the 2018-19 season beginning this summer for as low as $175 with a variety of premier seating options available.
Fans now have the opportunity to take their first steps toward the 2018-19 season by placing a $30 deposit on 2018-19 season tickets at UHCougars.com/tickets or by calling 713-462-6647.
Cougar Pride members and/or fans who wish to improve their ranking in the Fertitta Center Priority Seat Selection Process may do so by making a minimum commitment of $500 prior to June 30. Those who participate in the Fertitta Center Priority Seat Selection process will be ranked and assigned a designated date and time appointment to make their selection.
For more information on the Fertitta Center Priority Seat Selection Process, fans can visit uhcougars.com/fertittacenter or call the Cougar Pride Office at 713-743-GoUH (4684).
As the city of Houston's newest multi-purpose sports and entertainment facility, the Fertitta Center will provide luxurious and fan-friendly experiences for a multitude of events in the years to come.
JOIN the 50-50 CLUB
Fans are invited to join the 50-50 Club to support Houston Men's Basketball. 50-50 Club members help fund program necessities and enhance the experience for our student-athletes.
Fans who join the 50-50 Club will receive embroidered team apparel, a signed basketball, invitations to practice, a tour of the $25 million Guy V. Lewis Development Facility, regular updates about the program and much more.
To join the 50-50 Club, fans can call 713-743-9742 or email UHMensBasketball@uh.edu. For more information about the 50-50 Club, levels of giving and benefits, fans can click here.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarMBK on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook and Instagram pages.