I'm an NBA legend and was part of Michael Jordan's USA 'Dream Team' – now I have a BBQ joint in retirement
Olivia Shea
Published Aug 23, 2026
NBA legend Clyde Drexler made his name at the University of Houston before going on to a Hall of Fame career.
The former 1992 Olympic Dream Team baller has since returned to his alma mater by helping open a BBQ joint at the student campus.
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Drexler's family has long had an association with BBQ in Houston.
The original Drexler’s World Famous Bar-B-Que on the outskirts of downtown was founded in 1967 by Drexler's uncle.
Originally it was called Green's Bar-B-Q, and a young Drexler worked behind the counter.
The restaurant subsequently passed down to Clyde’s siblings, James, Virginia and Denice, and their mother Eunice.
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And the business took off when Drexler joined the Houston Rockets in 1995 following a move from the Portland Trail Blazers.
To help bring in customers, the restaurant had Rockets posters and paraphernalia, as well as a "Clyde's Special", which consisted of a beef sandwich, beans, salad and lemonade.
"A few years ago, you could come in, there'd be maybe three or four tables full and you'd never have to wait in line," one customer said.
"Once Clyde came to Houston, just Clyde himself brought the crowd in."
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In 2003, the restaurant moved to an expanded new location near the Houston Arena.
"Clyde always wanted to do something on a larger scale when he retired (from professional basketball)," Drexler's sister Virginia said.
"The other place seated 60; here we have about 220 seats in the main dining room."
But the restaurant quietly closed recently.
Now the Drexler's BBQ name has been revived at the University of Houston's campus in partnership with food service provider Chartwells, which owns and operates the location.
The restaurant serves a range of mesquite smoked meats, from pulled pork and pulled chicken to brisket and sausage.
Sides include baked beans, mac and cheese, and potato salad.
Drexler now works in TV and is the commissioner of Ice Cube's Big3 basketball league.
