Sports Magnate. He was responsible for bringing NBA basketball (Rockets) to the Houston-area. Duddlesten studied at the University of Houston and South Texas School of Law, before establishing his general contracting firm Tex-Craft Builders, Inc., which experienced successful growth throughout the country during the 1950s and 1960s. In 1971 he headed a small investor group that purchased the San Diego Rockets from Bob Breitbard, which led to the opening of the venue The Summit in 1975, as a result of the franchise's relocation. The Rockets played their home games at the Hofheinz Pavilion from 1971 to 1975, before The Summit was constructed. Houston previously had a professional team (Houston Mavericks of the ABA, from 1967 to 1969). During Duddlesten's proprietorship from 1971 until 1973, the team recorded fourth and third-place finishes in their division. Star players Elvin Hayes, Calvin Murphy and Mike Newlin were a part of the team's history during that period. In addition, he served as Commissioner of Texas Department of Highways and Public Transportation from 1989 to 1991. He died following a lengthy battle with cancer.
Sports Magnate. He was responsible for bringing NBA basketball (Rockets) to the Houston-area. Duddlesten studied at the University of Houston and South Texas School of Law, before establishing his general contracting firm Tex-Craft Builders, Inc., which experienced successful growth throughout the country during the 1950s and 1960s. In 1971 he headed a small investor group that purchased the San Diego Rockets from Bob Breitbard, which led to the opening of the venue The Summit in 1975, as a result of the franchise's relocation. The Rockets played their home games at the Hofheinz Pavilion from 1971 to 1975, before The Summit was constructed. Houston previously had a professional team (Houston Mavericks of the ABA, from 1967 to 1969). During Duddlesten's proprietorship from 1971 until 1973, the team recorded fourth and third-place finishes in their division. Star players Elvin Hayes, Calvin Murphy and Mike Newlin were a part of the team's history during that period. In addition, he served as Commissioner of Texas Department of Highways and Public Transportation from 1989 to 1991. He died following a lengthy battle with cancer.
Bio by: C.S.
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