Carroll Reed “CD” Dawson

Carroll Reed “CD” Dawson, B.S. ’60, passed away peacefully on Sept. 9, 2024, in Dallas surrounded by his loving family. 

Born on May 3, 1938, in Alba, Texas, Dawson’s journey from small-town beginnings to the international basketball stage is a testament to his resilience, talent and passion. From his days at Paris Junior College, where he earned All-America honors in 1958-59, to his years at Baylor, where he was named All-Southwest Conference and 1960’s Southwest Conference Outstanding Player, Dawson’s impact on the game as a player was undeniable.

After graduating from Baylor, CD was drafted into the Army. He served 22 months, playing much of that time on the Army basketball team. In Spring 1963, Baylor Basketball Head Coach Bill Menefee invited Dawson to be his assistant coach. In that role, Dawson made history by recruiting Tommy Bowman, Baylor’s first Black scholarship athlete, demonstrating his commitment to equality and excellence in the sport. He succeeded Menefee as head coach, molding young athletes with his signature blend of humor and discipline until his departure in 1976. 

After Baylor, CD accepted an offer to train and work as a stockbroker in New York. The night before he was to leave, CD had a chance encounter with Gil Brandt, an executive with the Dallas Cowboys, who offered him a job in the scouting department. CD's natural rapport with athletes made him an ideal choice.

Dawson worked briefly with the Cowboys before ultimately joining the Houston Rockets in 1979, where he would spend more than three decades shaping the franchise’s future. During his time with the Rockets, Dawson became renowned for his sharp basketball mind, his ability to spot and develop talent and his role in securing key players who would define the team’s success.

Dawson’s contributions extended beyond the NBA, as he helped build the Houston Comets into a WNBA powerhouse, leading the team to four consecutive championships. Despite his accomplishments, Dawson was deeply humble.

A member of numerous Halls of Fame, including the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame and Baylor Athletic Hall of Fame, Dawson remained grounded, always putting others before himself. He was admired not just for his basketball acumen, but for his character, integrity and kindness.

Off the court, Dawson was a loving husband, father and friend. He shared an enduring and joyful marriage with his wife, Sharon, traveling the world and celebrating life's milestones together. His quick wit, sense of humor and infectious storytelling made him a cherished presence at family gatherings, team events and beyond.