For fans of college basketball, the sight of retired jerseys hanging in an arena is a powerful symbol of legacy and greatness. In the rafters of the iconic Pyramid, eight University of Memphis Tigers jerseys tell a story of basketball excellence spanning over seven decades. These aren’t just Memphis Tigers Uniforms; they represent the blood, sweat, and tears of legendary players who have etched their names into the program’s history.
These honored jerseys belong to Win Wilfong (#22), John Gunn (#44), Larry Finch (#21), Ronnie Robinson (#33), Keith Lee (#24), Elliot Perry (#34), Anfernee Hardaway (#25), and Forest Arnold (#13). Win Wilfong holds the distinction of having his jersey as the first to be retired, marking the beginning of a tradition that celebrates the very best of Memphis Tigers basketball.
Let’s delve into the stories of these eight phenomenal athletes, each biography illuminating their remarkable contributions to the Tigers, and the lasting impact of their memphis tigers uniforms.
Win Wilfong #22: The Trailblazer
Win Wilfong, a name synonymous with early Memphis Tigers basketball dominance, donned the #22 jersey from 1955 to 1957. Playing under coaches Eugene Lambert and Bob Vanatta, Wilfong spearheaded the Tigers to an impressive 44-13 record. Even today, he holds the 17th spot on the university’s all-time scoring list with 1,203 points.
During his era, Wilfong was lauded as potentially the greatest Tiger player to date. His versatility was unmatched; he could score, rebound, and handle the ball with exceptional skill. The record books reflect his all-around excellence, placing him in the top ten across fifteen different statistical categories. Throughout his career, Wilfong averaged an astounding 21.5 points and 12.3 rebounds per game. In a memorable 1955-56 game against Union, he exploded for 40 points, the sixth-highest single-game score in U of M history. Remarkably, Wilfong surpassed 30 points in eleven different games throughout his collegiate career.
The 1956-57 season marked a turning point for Memphis basketball, with Wilfong leading the team to their inaugural NIT bid at the legendary Madison Square Garden. In their first-ever nationally televised game, the Tigers triumphed over Utah 77-75. They continued their winning streak, defeating Manhattan 85-73 and St. Bonaventure 80-78 in a nail-biting finish. In the championship game against Bradley, despite Wilfong’s 31 points and MVP award, the Tigers narrowly lost 84-83.
1957 also saw Wilfong become the University of Memphis’s first-ever first-team All-American, recognized by Converse. The previous year, in 1956, he received honorable mention All-American honors from United Press International. His #22 memphis tigers uniform represents the dawn of national recognition for Memphis basketball.
John Gunn #44: Courage and Heart
John “Big John” Gunn, wearing the #44 memphis tigers uniform, played under Coach Wayne Yates from 1974 to 1976, quickly becoming a fan favorite for his hustle and determination.
As a freshman, Gunn’s impact was immediate, averaging 12 points and 10 rebounds per game, contributing significantly to the Tigers’ 20-7 record and NIT appearance. His teammates aptly voted him “Mr. Hustle.” As a sophomore, the 6-foot-9 Gunn continued to impress, averaging 10 points and eight rebounds. His career-high 25 points came against Buffalo State in his freshman year, but his standout performance was arguably against Louisville in the Metro Tournament during his sophomore season, where he scored 18 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and blocked two shots.
Tragedy struck the Tigers program at the beginning of the 1976-77 season. After just three games, Gunn fell ill with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a rare and severe condition. He was hospitalized and, sadly, passed away ten days later on December 21 at the young age of 21 due to complications from the disease.
Gunn’s basketball journey began at Melrose High School under Coach Verties Sails. His senior year, alongside future Tiger teammates Alvin Wright and James Bradley, the Melrose Wildcats achieved a perfect 35-0 record, winning the Tennessee State Championship. Gunn was recognized as one of the top five basketball prospects nationally and named Tennessee Player of the Year. His #44 memphis tigers uniform is a symbol of his immense potential and the enduring spirit of courage and sportsmanship.
Larry Finch #21: Mr. Memphis Basketball
When you think of Memphis Tigers basketball, Larry Finch, in his iconic #21 memphis tigers uniform, is invariably the first name that comes to mind. A legendary player, assistant coach, and former head coach, Finch was synonymous with the program for 25 years. His jersey retirement on November 30, 1974, was a testament to his unparalleled contribution.
Finch participated in over 500 games as a Tiger player and coach. He ranks third in all-time scoring at the University of Memphis with 1,869 points, only surpassed by Keith Lee and Elliot Perry. Finch was instrumental in leading the Tigers to their first-ever NCAA Final Four appearance in 1973, where they faced UCLA and Bill Walton in the national championship game. During that tournament run, Finch averaged 26.8 points per game, including 29 against the Bruins.
In his three years as a player, Finch led the Tigers to a 63-21 record, securing or sharing two Missouri Valley Conference Championships. He earned honorable mention All-American honors from both the Associated Press and United Press International. His senior season was particularly decorated, with four All-American team selections and breaking nine individual U of M records. Finch was also a two-time Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year.
Finch still holds the record for most points scored in a single game at Memphis and remains in the top five in eighteen different statistical categories. His #21 memphis tigers uniform is a powerful emblem of Memphis basketball heritage.
Ronnie Robinson #33: The Rebounding Machine
Ronnie “Big Cat” Robinson, in his #33 memphis tigers uniform, was renowned as one of the best rebounders in Memphis Tigers history. He teamed up with Larry Finch to propel the University of Memphis to the 1973 Final Four. Robinson played on the varsity team from 1970 to 1973 under Coach Gene Bartow.
Robinson, an All-American Tiger, came to Memphis from Melrose High School alongside his lifelong friend and teammate, Larry Finch. Together, they redefined the U of M basketball record book and led the team to unprecedented heights. During the 1973 NCAA tournament, Robinson averaged 14.0 rebounds per game, securing three double-doubles in four tournament games. He grabbed 17 boards against South Carolina, 16 against both Kansas State and Providence, and seven in the final against UCLA.
A three-year starter at both center and forward, Robinson consistently averaged double figures in both scoring and rebounding. He is one of only two Tigers to have amassed over 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in his career.
Against Tulsa in 1971, Robinson scored a career-high 30 points and, remarkably, set the school rebounding record in the same game with 28 rebounds. He had three other games with 24 rebounds. A three-time All-Missouri Valley Conference selection, Robinson earned All-Tournament honors at the Vanderbilt Classic and Sun Bowl. He received All-America recognition (Converse and Basketball News) as a senior. Robinson still holds the school record for career field goal percentage (57.7%) and is the second all-time leading rebounder with 1,066. As a junior, he ranked ninth nationally in field goal percentage.
Robinson, who ranks 19th on the U of M all-time scoring list with 1,150 points, was drafted in the fourth round of the NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns in 1973 but ultimately signed with the Memphis Tams of the ABA. His #33 memphis tigers uniform represents rebounding dominance and a crucial component of the legendary 1973 Final Four team.
Keith Lee #24: The Consistent Champion
Before Anfernee Hardaway, Keith Lee, wearing the #24 memphis tigers uniform, was widely considered the greatest Tiger to ever play. His arrival ushered in an era of sustained success for Memphis basketball, playing from 1981 to 1985.
Lee’s impact is undeniable. During his four years, Memphis boasted a 104-24 (.813) record, made four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances (including one Final Four), won three Metro Conference tournament titles, achieved a school-record 31 wins in 1984-85, and consistently ranked in the final AP Top 20 poll for all four seasons (reaching as high as fifth in 1985).
Individually, Lee was an AP All-American for all four years, a consensus first-team All-American in 1985, Metro Conference Player of the Year in 1982 and 1985, Metro Conference Tournament MVP in 1982 and 1984, Metro Conference Freshman of the Year in 1982, and a four-time first-team All-Metro selection. He also received All-America honors from UPI, Converse, The Sporting News, Basketball Weekly, USBWA, Basketball Times, ESPN, and NABC.
The 6-foot-11 center’s senior year in 1984-85 was particularly exceptional, leading the Tigers to the Final Four in Lexington, KY. Lee guided the team to a 24-3 regular season record and a Metro Conference Tournament title.
Following his senior season, Lee was drafted 11th overall in the first round of the NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls. His #24 memphis tigers uniform symbolizes consistent excellence and championship-level performance.
Elliot Perry #34: The Dynamic Point Guard
Elliot Perry, sporting the #34 memphis tigers uniform, is the University of Memphis’s second all-time leading scorer and one of the most exceptional point guards to ever represent the Tigers.
The 6-foot-0, 150-pound Perry led the Tigers to four straight postseason tournaments and 76 wins. Remarkably, he started every game of his career and led the team in scoring, assists, and steals for three consecutive years.
Coming from Treadwell High School, Perry was nationally recognized as a top player. His senior year, he averaged 34.5 points per game, was named Tennessee State Player of the Year, and earned McDonald’s All-American honors.
His success continued at Memphis. As a freshman, Perry shouldered the team, leading them to a 20-12 record and an NCAA Tournament bid. He was named Metro Conference Freshman of the Year and recognized by Sport Magazine as the top freshman point guard in the nation.
In his senior season, Perry topped the Metro Conference in scoring (20.8 ppg) and steals (85). He was voted first-team All-Metro Conference and finished second in Player of the Year voting. Perry also became MSU’s and the Metro Conference’s career leader in steals with 300, becoming only the tenth player in NCAA history to reach that milestone. Known for his clutch performances, he hit game-winning buzzer-beaters against Florida State and Miami and a three-pointer at the buzzer to force overtime against East Tennessee State University (ETSU). Against ETSU, Perry scored a career-high 42 points.
Perry holds the Tigers’ career records for three-pointers made (143) and steals (304) and is ranked in the top 10 in 29 different statistical categories. His #34 memphis tigers uniform represents dynamic point guard play and clutch performances. His jersey was retired in February 1992.
Anfernee Hardaway #25: Electrifying Talent
Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway, wearing the #25 memphis tigers uniform, is arguably the most electrifying player in Memphis Tigers history. He became the seventh player to have his jersey retired on January 23, 1994.
Hardaway, now a prominent figure with the Orlando Magic, had a sensational two-season stint with the Tigers. He led them to two consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight run in 1992. His career record with the Tigers was 43-23 (.652), including eight wins over nationally-ranked teams. He recorded the school’s first-ever triple-doubles, became the 10th all-time leading scorer, and set numerous other records in just 66 games.
Those who witnessed Hardaway, a consensus All-American and two-time GMC Player of the Year, were truly fortunate. His all-around game was breathtaking – scoring, passing, rebounding, blocking shots, and timely steals, punctuated by electrifying slam dunks that ignited crowds. Hardaway possessed the unique ability to make at least one play per game that would leave spectators in awe. He was a truly special player. His #25 memphis tigers uniform symbolizes electrifying talent and highlight-reel moments.
Forest Arnold #13: The First All-American
Forest Arnold, in his #13 memphis tigers uniform, was honored on January 14, 1995, as the University of Memphis retired his jersey number. Arnold played for the Tigers from 1952-56 and holds the distinction of being the school’s first-ever All-American.
During his career, Arnold contributed to 62 Tiger wins, including the school’s first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1955 against Penn State.
Arnold ranks fourth in school history with 1,854 career points and second in career rebounds with 1,109. He is one of only three players in Memphis basketball history to surpass both 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds.
A highlight of his stellar career was a then-school record 46-point game against Hardin-Simmons in the old Field House.
Arnold, now residing in Springfield, MO, with his wife Virginia Lee and their four children, is a minister and professor at Central Bible College in Springfield. His #13 memphis tigers uniform represents pioneering excellence and the foundation of Memphis Tigers basketball tradition.
These eight retired jerseys hanging in The Pyramid are more than just pieces of fabric; they are powerful reminders of the incredible athletes who have shaped the legacy of Memphis Tigers basketball. They represent the pinnacle of achievement and serve as inspiration for future generations of players who dream of one day earning their place among these legends and perhaps having their own memphis tigers uniforms honored in the rafters.
