[1] A "set up man" in large part, Gettys played a pivotal role in the success of the powerhouse Phi Slama Jama basketball teams at the University of Houston during the early to mid-1980s.
Gettys, who ranks as Houston's all-time leader in assists with 740, was responsible for distributing the ball to teammates Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, Benny Anders, Michael Young, Larry Micheaux and, later, Rickie Winslow.
During the 1982 NCAA Tournament, on March 21, 1982, Gettys sunk 10 consecutive free throws down the stretch to move Houston past Boston College and into the Final Four.
Gettys spent one season as an assistant coach for the Houston Cougars under his former teammate, Drexler.
[4] He has also worked as an ESPN basketball analyst and has been a commentator for Houston Rockets games.