Former coach of the University of Houston for men's basketball, coach Guy V. Lewis, who became known for leading the Phi Slama Jama teams, has passed away at the age of 93, according to reports.
Lewis reportedly died at a retirement facility situated in Kyle, Texas on Thursday morning.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Hall of Fame Coach Guy V. Lewis, who passed away this morning. A true Cougar legend." Hunter Yurachek, UH athletic director, wrote on Twitter.
He was a coach for the Cougars for over 30 years and was the one who led Houston during the team's back to back NCAA title games in 1983 to 1984.
However, the team never won a national championship after being swept off by the N.C State in the final game back in 1983.
"It feels awful. I've never lost a game that didn't feel that way, but this one was terrible." He said after losing the game.
The deceased coach was also inducted in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame back in 2013 after drafting Elvin Hayes and Don Chaney to the Houston team and took the lead in the college basketball in the South.
Reports say that Lewis began avoiding the court spotlight since he retired in 1986. In 2002, he had reportedly struggled from stroke and was already using a wheelchair during his latter years.
Lewis' drafted players Hayes and Chaney led the Cougars to their first Final Four back in the year 1967, but unfortunately lost against the UCLA team during the semifinal game.
"Basketball in the state of Texas and throughout the South is all due to coach Guy V. Lewis." Hayes said in a statement.
He continued, "He put everything on the line to step out and integrate his program. Not only that, he had vision to say: 'Hey, we can play a game in the Houston Astrodome.' Not only that, he just was such a motivator and such an innovator that created so many doors for the game of basketball to grow."
On Twitter, UH Chancellor Renu Khator wrote "UH mourns the death of Guy V. Lewis while celebrating the life of a legend!"
According to Lewis' son Kyle, the memorial service plans have not been finalized yet, adding that he has reportedly asked the people of Houston to pray for their family.
