University of Houston Athletics
Men’s Basketball to Recognize Dwight Davis on Sunday
1/15/2026 3:01:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Davis’ #42 jersey will be hung in Fertitta Center during halftime ceremony of game vs. Arizona State
HOUSTON – The University of Houston Men's Basketball program will bestow its highest honor when it hangs the #42 jersey of great Dwight Davis inside Fertitta Center during a special ceremony at halftime of Sunday's game against Big 12 Conference-rival Arizona State.
The Cougars meet the Sun Devils in Houston for the first time since the 1979-80 season at 5:30 p.m., Sunday.
In three seasons with the Cougars, Davis led the Cougars to 20 wins and NCAA Tournament appearances while averaging a double-double each year with NCAA Sweet 16 appearances during his sophomore and junior seasons.
"One of the great things about being part of a program is honoring the players and coaches that came before you. Dwight Davis, wearing that Houston Red, was one of the best players of his era," Head Coach Kelvin Sampson said. "Dwight set a legacy at the University of Houston that was another set of shoulders for the players of this current era to stand upon. I am proud of Dwight, and I am honored that we can recognize him in this way."
Davis becomes the seventh Houston student-athlete and ninth Cougar to have a banner hung in Fertitta Center. He joins guard Otis Birdsong (#10), guard Don Chaney (#24), guard Clyde Drexler (#22), center Elvin Hayes (#44), center Hakeem Olajuwon (#34) and forward Michael Young (#42) as well as Coach Guy V. Lewis and CBS Sports Broadcaster Jim Nantz.
ABOUT DWIGHT DAVIS
A native of Houston, Davis was a star at Worthing High School before deciding to stay close to home and attend the University of Houston.
He joined the Cougars under Lewis for the 1968-69 season and sat out his freshman season under NCAA rules at the time.
Davis began competition as a sophomore for the 1969-70 season and quickly established himself as a Cougar great during his final three seasons.
He averaged 17.9 points per game as a sophomore to finish second among the Cougars and raised his scoring average by at least two points in each of the following two seasons, leading Houston each year.
As a senior during the 1971-72 season, Davis averaged 24.4 points and 11.7 rebounds per game to be named to the All-America Second Team by the Associated Press. That honor came a year after receiving All-America Honorable Mention from the AP.
That season, he also was named to the East-West All-Star Game and was a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches. All-District 9 First Team. Davis was a three-time member of the All-District Team by the United States Basketball Writers Association.
PROFESSIONAL PLAYING CAREER
Following his Cougar playing days, Davis was selected in the First Round with the No. 3 overall pick of the 1972 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
He was named to the 1973 NBA All-Rookie First Team after averaging 9.4 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.
In 1975, Davis was traded to the Golden State Warriors, where he played for the next two seasons before suffering a season-ending quadriceps injury in February 1977.
PROFESSIONAL CAREER
With his playing career completed, Davis turned his time and passion to new ventures. He served in numerous roles for the National Basketball Retired Players Association from 2014 to 2018 and served as a board member for New Hampshire Workforce Innovation Board, Greater Seacoast United Way, Prospero Health and Cambridge Trust Company and Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire.
Today, Davis and his wife help families with a full range of senior home care services for elderly citizens as owners of Senior Helpers of Southern New Hampshire.
In recognition of his UH playing career, Davis received the highest honor from the Athletics Department when he was inducted into its Hall of Honor in 2006.
To celebrate his multi-faceted successful careers through the decades, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Houston Alumni Association in 2023.
BUY TICKETS
Single-game home tickets for all games inside Fertitta Center are now on sale, and fans are encouraged to purchase quickly while supplies last. The two-time defending Big 12 Conference Champions, Houston will play host to seven more conference games in 2025-26.
Fans interested in purchasing group tickets may complete this form to be contacted by a member of the Houston Athletics Tickets Sales staff.
Non-season ticket holders interested in purchasing season tickets are invited to place their names on the Season Ticket Wait List by clicking here.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Men's Basketball by providing NIL opportunities and by joining the 50-50 Club, which provides financial support directly to Houston Men's Basketball for needs beyond its operating budget.
Fans who join the 50-50 Club will receive embroidered Jordan Brand team apparel, invitations to exclusive events, regular updates about the program and much more.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarMBK on X and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarMBK or by visiting the team's Instagram page at UHCougarMBK.
The Cougars meet the Sun Devils in Houston for the first time since the 1979-80 season at 5:30 p.m., Sunday.
In three seasons with the Cougars, Davis led the Cougars to 20 wins and NCAA Tournament appearances while averaging a double-double each year with NCAA Sweet 16 appearances during his sophomore and junior seasons.
"One of the great things about being part of a program is honoring the players and coaches that came before you. Dwight Davis, wearing that Houston Red, was one of the best players of his era," Head Coach Kelvin Sampson said. "Dwight set a legacy at the University of Houston that was another set of shoulders for the players of this current era to stand upon. I am proud of Dwight, and I am honored that we can recognize him in this way."
Davis becomes the seventh Houston student-athlete and ninth Cougar to have a banner hung in Fertitta Center. He joins guard Otis Birdsong (#10), guard Don Chaney (#24), guard Clyde Drexler (#22), center Elvin Hayes (#44), center Hakeem Olajuwon (#34) and forward Michael Young (#42) as well as Coach Guy V. Lewis and CBS Sports Broadcaster Jim Nantz.
ABOUT DWIGHT DAVISA native of Houston, Davis was a star at Worthing High School before deciding to stay close to home and attend the University of Houston.
He joined the Cougars under Lewis for the 1968-69 season and sat out his freshman season under NCAA rules at the time.
Davis began competition as a sophomore for the 1969-70 season and quickly established himself as a Cougar great during his final three seasons.
He averaged 17.9 points per game as a sophomore to finish second among the Cougars and raised his scoring average by at least two points in each of the following two seasons, leading Houston each year.
As a senior during the 1971-72 season, Davis averaged 24.4 points and 11.7 rebounds per game to be named to the All-America Second Team by the Associated Press. That honor came a year after receiving All-America Honorable Mention from the AP.
That season, he also was named to the East-West All-Star Game and was a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches. All-District 9 First Team. Davis was a three-time member of the All-District Team by the United States Basketball Writers Association.
PROFESSIONAL PLAYING CAREER
Following his Cougar playing days, Davis was selected in the First Round with the No. 3 overall pick of the 1972 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
He was named to the 1973 NBA All-Rookie First Team after averaging 9.4 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.
In 1975, Davis was traded to the Golden State Warriors, where he played for the next two seasons before suffering a season-ending quadriceps injury in February 1977.
PROFESSIONAL CAREERWith his playing career completed, Davis turned his time and passion to new ventures. He served in numerous roles for the National Basketball Retired Players Association from 2014 to 2018 and served as a board member for New Hampshire Workforce Innovation Board, Greater Seacoast United Way, Prospero Health and Cambridge Trust Company and Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire.
Today, Davis and his wife help families with a full range of senior home care services for elderly citizens as owners of Senior Helpers of Southern New Hampshire.
In recognition of his UH playing career, Davis received the highest honor from the Athletics Department when he was inducted into its Hall of Honor in 2006.
To celebrate his multi-faceted successful careers through the decades, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Houston Alumni Association in 2023.
BUY TICKETS
Single-game home tickets for all games inside Fertitta Center are now on sale, and fans are encouraged to purchase quickly while supplies last. The two-time defending Big 12 Conference Champions, Houston will play host to seven more conference games in 2025-26.
Fans interested in purchasing group tickets may complete this form to be contacted by a member of the Houston Athletics Tickets Sales staff.
Non-season ticket holders interested in purchasing season tickets are invited to place their names on the Season Ticket Wait List by clicking here.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Men's Basketball by providing NIL opportunities and by joining the 50-50 Club, which provides financial support directly to Houston Men's Basketball for needs beyond its operating budget.
Fans who join the 50-50 Club will receive embroidered Jordan Brand team apparel, invitations to exclusive events, regular updates about the program and much more.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarMBK on X and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarMBK or by visiting the team's Instagram page at UHCougarMBK.
– UHCougars.com –
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