Bailey Howell

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16 Mar 2024

Bailey Howell

Bailey E. Howell, born on January 20, 1937, is a distinguished American former professional basketball player renowned for his remarkable career both at the collegiate and professional levels. Howell's journey to basketball excellence began during his college years at Mississippi State University, where he showcased exceptional talent and skill on the court.
Following his collegiate career, Howell transitioned to the National Basketball Association (NBA), where he enjoyed a stellar 12-season tenure. Throughout his NBA career, Howell's prowess and contributions earned him widespread recognition and acclaim, solidifying his status as one of the league's most formidable players.

Notably, Howell achieved significant milestones during his time in the NBA, including being selected as a six-time NBA All-Star—a testament to his exceptional abilities and consistent performance on the hardwood. Furthermore, Howell's impact extended beyond individual accolades, as he played an instrumental role in leading his teams to success.
Among his notable achievements, Howell secured two NBA championships, underscoring his invaluable contributions to his teams' championship aspirations. His ability to excel under pressure and deliver clutch performances during critical moments undoubtedly contributed to his teams' championship triumphs.
In recognition of his illustrious basketball career and lasting impact on the sport, Bailey E. Howell was rightfully enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1997. This prestigious honor serves as a testament to Howell's enduring legacy as one of basketball's finest talents, forever etching his name in the annals of the sport's history.

Bailey Howell, born on January 20, 1937, in Middleton, Tennessee, was raised in a family rooted in hard work and education. His father, Walter Howell, served as a dedicated mail carrier, while his mother, Martha Howell, devoted herself to the noble profession of teaching. Bailey was the second of three siblings, growing up with a deep appreciation for family values and academic excellence.
During his formative years at Middleton High School from 1953 to 1955, Howell emerged as a standout basketball prodigy, leaving an indelible mark on the Tennessee high school basketball scene. He showcased remarkable talent and skill on the court, amassing an impressive career total of 1,187 points—an achievement that stood as the Tennessee high school record at the time.

Howell's stellar performances garnered widespread acclaim and recognition, earning him numerous accolades and honors throughout his high school career. He was consistently recognized as an outstanding player, receiving all-conference honors each season and earning All-State distinctions in his junior and senior years. In his senior season of 1955, Howell's exceptional talent propelled him to the status of All-American, further solidifying his reputation as one of the nation's premier basketball talents. Remarkably, he averaged an impressive 31.2 points per game during his senior campaign, showcasing his scoring prowess and dominance on the court.

As Howell's reputation continued to soar, he attracted interest and attention from major collegiate basketball programs across the country. Schools such as Memphis State, Mississippi, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, and Kentucky vied for his talents, each recognizing the immense potential and impact he could bring to their respective programs. Despite the allure of prestigious basketball powerhouses, Howell ultimately made the pivotal decision to commit to Coach Babe McCarthy and the Mississippi State Bulldogs men's basketball program within the esteemed Southeastern Conference (SEC). This choice would set the stage for Howell's remarkable collegiate career and pave the way for his enduring legacy in the realm of basketball excellence.

Bailey Howell's collegiate basketball career at Mississippi State University from 1955 to 1959 was nothing short of legendary. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches, Howell dominated the court with his remarkable skills and unwavering determination, leaving an indelible mark on the program's history.
Making his varsity debut in the 1956–1957 season, Howell wasted no time in showcasing his prodigious talents. As a sophomore under the guidance of Coach Babe McCarthy, Howell emerged as a force to be reckoned with, averaging an astonishing 25.9 points and 19.7 rebounds per game. His stellar performance propelled Mississippi State to a commendable 17–8 record, securing a respectable third-place finish in the competitive SEC.

The following season, Howell continued to elevate his game, leading Mississippi State to even greater heights. With averages of 27.8 points and 16.2 rebounds per game, he played a pivotal role in the team's impressive 20–5 record, earning the first of consecutive SEC Most Valuable Player awards. Mississippi State's success was further underscored by their ranking as the 15th team in the final polls—a testament to Howell's impact and leadership on the court.
In his senior year during the 1958–1959 season, Howell reached the pinnacle of collegiate excellence, guiding Mississippi State to a remarkable 24–1 record and clinching the SEC Conference Championship with a stellar 13–1 conference record. His outstanding performance, marked by averages of 27.5 points and 15.2 rebounds per game, earned him his second consecutive SEC Most Valuable Player award.

Despite his individual and team achievements, Howell's collegiate career was tinged with disappointment due to Mississippi State University's decision to forfeit its NCAA tournament bids. The university opted out of the tournament in protest against Mississippi's unwritten policy of not competing against integrated basketball teams—a decision that deeply affected Howell and his teammates.
Nevertheless, Howell's impact on Mississippi State basketball remains unparalleled. His remarkable career averages of 27.1 points and 17.0 rebounds per game still stand as school records, underscoring his enduring legacy as one of the greatest players in Bulldogs history. Howell's scoring prowess, rebounding dominance, and unmatched work ethic have solidified his status as a legend in the annals of Mississippi State basketball, endearing him to Bulldog faithful and earning him a place among the program's most revered figures.