Alba native Carroll Dawson was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2003. (Baylor University)

Carroll Dawson, an Alba native who was instrumental in leading the Houston Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships, passed away on Monday, the team announced.

He was 86.

No other details of his death were given.

“The Rockets family mourns the loss of beloved former coach and general manager, Carroll Dawson, affectionately known as ‘CD,’” the team said.

He was an assistant coach with Houston from 1980 to ‘97. The Rockets were 461-409 with six trips to the playoffs during his tenure as general manager of the Rockets from 1996 to 2007. The Rockets won NBA titles in 1994 (defeated New York Knicks, 4-3) and 1995 (defeated Orlando Magic, 4-0). Houston was also in the finals in 1981 (lost to Boston Celtics, 4-2) and 1986 (lost to Celtics, 4-2).

“For nearly three decades, CD was a cornerstone of our organization, instrumental in shaping the careers of stars like Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson. A proud Texas native, CD served as the only coach to be present for all four of Houston’s NBA Finals appearances, including the back-to-back championship teams. As general manager, he brought iconic talents to Houston including Charles Barkley, Steve Francis, Yao Ming, and Tracy McGrady, while also assembling the four-time WNBA champion Houston Comets,” the team said.

“While CD’s contributions to basketball were remarkable, it was his character that truly stood out,” the team said. “We will deeply miss his uplifting spirit, infectious humor, and kind-hearted nature. We are proud that CD’s legacy will forever be honored with his banner hanging from the rafters of Toyota Center, alongside our other Rockets legends.”

Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta released a statement, “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former longtime Rockets assistant coach and general manager Carroll Dawson. CD’s kindness, wisdom, and passion for the sport touched everyone around him and his impact on our organization was immeasurable. On behalf of my family and the entire Rockets organization, we extend our heartfelt condolences to CD’s wife, Sharon, and to all of his loved ones.”

Dawson was a star at Alba High School, leading the squad to a 44-3 record. He averaged 24.8 points per game his senior year of 1956. The next year, the Golden and Alba communites voted to consolidate into Alba-Golden High School.

Dawson played at Paris Junior College, earning Juco All-America honors, and later Baylor University.

At Paris the 6-6 Dawson got the nickname “Big Orange.”

At Baylor he was All-Southwest Conference in 1959-60, averaging 16.4 points and 8.8 rebounds.

After college, he was drafted into the Army and was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky where he was a tank commander.

He then came back to Texas and was head coach of Baylor from 1973-77, compiling a record of 44-51. He later was a scout for the Dallas Cowboys football team (Gil Brandt charged him to scout basketball talent to find the next Cornell Green) and served as a Converse salesman.

Then in 1980, he joined the Rockets as an assistant.

Dawson was also responsible for helping put together the WNBA’s most successful team — the Houston Comets. He hired coach Van Chancellor and signed key players Sheryl Swoopes, Cynthia Cooper and Tina Thompson. The Comets won four consecutive WNBA titles from 1997-2000.

Dawson is also a member of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, inducted in 2003.