MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Simmons (37th), Johnson, Moss

House Concurrent Resolution 78

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING BAILEY HOWELL ON BEING INDUCTED INTO THE BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME. 

WHEREAS, Bailey Howell, as a teen, was a tall, skinny basketball prodigy in tiny Middleton, Tennessee, just five miles above the Mississippi-Tennessee line; and

WHEREAS, basketball was the only sport played at Bailey Howell's High School, and after the start of basketball season in August he'd play until school let out for cotton picking in September, and then would start back as soon as the cotton was picked; and

WHEREAS, Bailey Howell's basketball skills were so legendary and well known that Kentucky's legendary Adolph Rupp wanted him, and so did Tennessee, Memphis State, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss and Mississippi State University; and

WHEREAS, Bailey Howell ultimately chose to attend Mississippi State University, and led State to a 61-14 record over three seasons, once scoring 47 points in a game; and

WHEREAS, after an illustrious college basketball career, Bailey Howell was the second pick in the 1959 National Basketball Association draft behind none other than Wilt Chamberlain; and

WHEREAS, Bailey Howell's biggest thrill as a college player was when Mississippi State University won the SEC championship in 1959; and

WHEREAS, Bailey Howell says that his biggest thrill as a professional player came in 1968 when the Boston Celtics won the world championship and he averaged 20 points per game; and

WHEREAS, on Monday, February 3, 1997, at 8:30 a.m., Bailey Howell received a phone call announcing to him that he had been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, twenty-six years since his last NBA game, twenty-one years since he first became eligible for induction; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to commend excellence, especially when it is exhibited by a native Mississippian who is recognized for greatness on a national and worldwide level:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Bailey Howell on being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Bailey Howell and the members of the Capitol Press Corps.