University News

Larry Finch, who was synonymous with Tiger basketball as a player and coach, will receive the 2005 Authur S. Holmon Lifetime Achievement Award during ceremonies Tuesday, Feb. 1, at 7 p.m. in the Michael D. Rose Theatre. The Holmon Award is presented by the University of Memphis Black Student Association to a Memphian who has contributed a lifetime of service to the community.

Finch, who played for the Tigers from 1970 to 1973, ranks third on the U of M's career scoring list with 1,869 points. He rewrote the record book in the 1972-73 season, claiming nine of 13 individual records. The season ended with the team's trip to the 1973 NCAA championship, where they played the UCLA Bruins. During that tournament, Finch averaged 26.8 points a game, including 29 against the Bruins.

In Finch's three seasons as a U of M player, the Tigers compiled a record of 63-21 and either won or tied for two Missouri Valley Conference championships. Finch earned honorable mention All-American honors from both the Associated Press and United Press International and was named to four other All-American teams his senior year. Finch's jersey – number 21 – was retired in 1974; he is one of only eight Tiger players ever honored in that fashion.

Finch is the University's all-time winningest coach, compiling a 220-130 record over 11 seasons from 1986 to 1997. He took the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament six times, including a run to the final eight in 1992. In 2000, the U of M named the Tigers' practice facility after the former player and coach.

Finch has been involved in the Memphis community, including a run for County Register.

The Lifetime Achievement award was established in 1991. It was renamed in 1996 to honor Holmon, who served as associate dean of students for minority affairs for 26 years.

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