BERKELEY – Solomon Hughes, a three-year starting center for California men's basketball, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Pete Newell Career Achievement Award. Hughes will be honored with the award during Cal's ACC game against North Carolina on January 17 at Haas Pavilion.
 
Hughes will be the 14^th Golden Bear to earn the award, which honors the legacy of Cal's Hall of Fame basketball coach Pete Newell and the contributions he made to the program. The career achievement award is presented annually to a Cal men's basketball alumnus who has distinguished himself in his career accomplishments, upholding the highest ideals of Newell and the University of California.
 
"Cal Athletics is immensely proud to welcome Solomon Hughes to Haas Pavilion to receive this award," Co-Directors of Athletics Jenny Simon-O'Neill and Jay Larson said. "Not only was Solomon a talented and accomplished player, but he has also continued to commit himself to growth and improving the lives of others. It's inspiring to see Solomon shine in all that he does. He is incredibly deserving of the Pete Newell Career Achievement Award."
 
Hughes was a member of Cal's 1999 NIT Championship team and competed in two NCAA tournaments as a Bear. He is Cal's No. 3 all-time shooter with his career field-goal percentage of 57.9 percent, having led the Pac-10 Conference as a junior with a 62.9-percent effort that season. He also ranks No. 5 all-time in career blocks at Cal with 122.
 
"My time in Berkeley was transformative, and there are countless teammates, classmates, mentors, faculty and administrators whose lives inspired me and pushed me to aspire," Hughes said. "This is a tremendous honor, and I am proud to help carry this legacy forward."
 
After his time at Cal, Hughes built a multifaceted career across academia, leadership and education. Following a brief professional basketball stint, he earned a master's degree in Education at UC Berkeley and a Ph.D in Higher Education from University of Georgia.
 
Hughes has spent his career in higher education, academic programming and student development, with a strong commitment to supporting young athletes and scholars. He has taught and led initiatives centered on social development, academic success, and mentorship.
 
In addition to his academic work, Hughes expanded into entertainment, portraying Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the hit 'Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty,' where he received widespread acclaim for his performance. His post-Cal career reflects a rare blend of scholarship, creativity and service.
 
"This is an incredible honor," Hughes said. "One of my most cherished basketball memories involves Coach Pete Newell. Upon the conclusion of my sophomore year, I was very unhappy at Cal and lacked confidence. I had even expressed a desire to transfer. That summer, I attended the Pete Newell Big Man Camp in Hawai'i — the camp was elite. There were NBA players, elite college players, and then there were guys like me. Coach Newell watched me during the early sessions and went out of his way to pull me aside. He affirmed me and complimented my game. I have this core memory of him sitting on an old metal folding chair all by himself, studying my sessions.  That makes this award especially meaningful. I am incredibly humbled and grateful."
 
The on-court presentation of the 2026 Pete Newell Achievement Award will occur during Cal's January 17 game vs. North Carolina. Tipoff is at 1 p.m. PT at Haas Pavilion.
 
ABOUT PETE NEWELL
Pete Newell served as Cal's basketball coach from 1954-60, guiding the Bears to the 1959 NCAA championship and a national runner-up finish in 1960, the same season he was voted the national coach of the year. Cal also reached the NCAA regional final in 1957 and '58 under his leadership. Overall, he led the Bears to four consecutive conference titles (1957-60) while compiling a 119-44 record. Newell coached the 1960 U.S. Olympic team to a gold medal at the Rome Olympics and later served as Cal's Director of Athletics from 1960-68.
 
Newell was inducted into the Cal Athletic Hall of Fame in 1987 and into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame a year later. The entire 1960 Olympic team, which included former Golden Bear Darrall Imhoff in addition to Newell as head coach, was enshrined into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2010. Newell also earned entry into the FIBA International Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.
 
Newell, who was born on Aug. 31, 1915, passed away on Nov. 17, 2008.
 
PETE NEWELL CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS
2010-11 – Al Buch
2011-12 – Earl Robinson
2012-13 – Andy Wolfe
2013-14 – Earl Shultz
2014-15 – Russ Critchfield
2015-16 – Michael Pitts
2016-17 – Stan Morrison
2017-18 – Ned Averbuck
2018-19 – John Ricksen
2019-20 – Shareef Abdur-Rahim
2020-21 – No Recipient (COVID-19)
2021-22 – No Recipient (COVID-19)
2022-23 – Mark McNamara
2023-24 – Bill McClintock
2024-25 – Al Grigsby
2025-26 – Solomon Hughes
 
CALIFORNIA THROUGH AND THROUGH
"California Through and Through" is more than a slogan – it's a statement of identity, pride and our trajectory as Cal Men's Basketball. Just like our state, our program is engaging, diverse and inspiring. We have a rich history and legacy, and we have a bright future. Being California Through and Through means we celebrate our community and our place within it.
 
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Tickets for 2025-26 Cal home games can be purchased by visiting CalBears.com/Tickets or calling 800-GO-BEARS (462-3277). 
 
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