Walk into the Pyramid, look up to the rafters and you’ll see the retired jerseys of the eight greatest players in Tiger Basketball history.
Jersey number 34 belongs to this year’s Outstanding Young Alumnus, Elliott Perry.
Perry was honored with this award at The 23rd Annual Distinguished Alumni Awards’ gala banquet, on March 2 at the Peabody Hotel.
“This is a great honor,” Perry said. “The alumni association doesn’t recognize just anybody, and it feels great to know that your alma mater thinks that you’ve done well.”
Perry ranks second as the all-time leading scorer in University of Memphis history. He scored 2,209 points in his four years at The U of M.
According to Perry, however, this was not his greatest accomplishment at The U of M.
“The highlight of my years at The University was walking across the stage and receiving my degree in marketing,” he said.
Perry earned his degree in four years, while remaining a star athlete and sometimes taking 18 hours a semester.
Another highlight of his college years was the relationships that he got to build here, said Perry.
“My mother and I both developed great friendships with people at The U of M,” Perry said. “Playing under Coach Finch was a wonderful experience, and we still keep in contact.”
Before attending The U of M, this distinguished alumnus played with Anfernee Hardaway at Treadwell High School in Memphis.
After graduating from Memphis, Perry spent two seasons with the Continental League. He then moved up to the NBA when he was drafted to the Phoenix Suns in 1994.
While playing with the Suns, Charles Barkley gave Perry the nickname “Socks” because of the trademark socks Perry wore at every game. Perry fans also know him by his other trademark, big sports goggles.
In 1995, Perry was the Suns’ starting point guard. He finished the 1994-95 season 8th in the league for steals, 18th in field goal percentage, 27th in assists and runner up for the NBA’s most improved player.
Next, Perry moved on to play with the Milwaukee Bucks for a few seasons before returning to the Suns in 2000.
Now, Perry is a free agent.
Perry had a 10-day contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, which ended recently. The Grizzlies may sign him as a contract player for next season, however.
“I really want to be part of the sport,” Perry said. “I’d love to work with the Grizzlies.”
Until then, Perry said that he’s just taking it easy.
“My life isn’t very strenuous right now. I’m just relaxing and running errands,” he said.
And the one part of basketball in which Perry wouldn’t want to participate? That’s easy.
“I never want to coach,” he said. “It’s just too much. It’s a 24-hour job that I don’t want to have.”
