Audubon Park in Memphis in Shelby County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
The Player
Photographed By Steve Masler
1. The Player Marker
Inscription.
The Player. . Larry was recruited by several colleges. But a scholarship offer from Memphis State University became controversial. His supporters urged him to leave Memphis because of racial tension following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. But Larry wanted to play before hometown fans. So he signed with the Tigers. He led the team to an overall 63-21 record, highlighted by the 1973 NCAA national championship game against UCLA. The Tigers lost, but Larry finished with 29 points. Drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, Larry opted instead to join the ABA's Memphis Tams/Sounds. Even then, the next phase of his career was taking shape.
Larry was recruited by several colleges. But a scholarship offer from Memphis State University became controversial. His supporters urged him to leave Memphis because of racial tension following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. But Larry wanted to play before hometown fans. So he signed with the Tigers. He led the team to an overall 63-21 record, highlighted by the 1973 NCAA national championship game against UCLA. The Tigers lost, but Larry finished with 29 points. Drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, Larry opted instead to join the ABA's Memphis Tams/Sounds. Even then, the next phase of his career was taking shape.
Erected 2019 by The University of Memphis.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1973.
Location. 35° 6.306′ N, 89° 55.805′ W. Marker is in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is in Audubon Park. Marker is on North Park Loop, 0.4 miles south of Park Avenue and Getwell Road, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Memphis TN 38111, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Beginning (here, next to this marker); Gen. James M. Kennedy Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker);
More about this marker. Marker is located on the South Campus of the University of Memphis. The area was renamed Larry Finch Plaza in 2019.
Photographed By Steve Masler
2. Larry Finch Statue
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 19, 2023, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 94 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on January 19, 2023, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
