Larry Finch, former University of Memphis head basketball coach and star guard, suffered a massive heart attack Tuesday night. Finch is currently in the intensive care unit at Saint Francis Hospital.
Finch, 51, holds the record for the most wins by any Tigers basketball coach in Tigers history. He was the Tigers hoops leader from 1986-1997 with a record of 220-130.
Under his guidance, the Tigers reached the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament in 1992. He is the only coach to have won six victories in the NCAA tournament after leading his team in scoring in a national championship game.
The Melrose High School graduate came to then Memphis State with his Wildcats teammate Ronnie Robinson. The two helped to put the Tigers in the national spotlight by leading them to the 1973 NCAA Final Four in St. Louis, Mo.
Finch is still regarded by many as the greatest basketball player in the school’s history. He is third on the all-time scoring list, holds the single game scoring record with 48 points against St. Joseph’s, and holds the single season scoring record with 24 point per game in 1973.
His number, 21, was retired on November 24, 1974. It was brought out for his son, Larry Jr., to wear during his two years as a Tigers guard from 1995-97.
Family members and Saint Francis officials were unable to be reached for comment.
