Walking around campus in 1970 was a little different than it is now.
Two years after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, the city of Memphis simmered in the center of racial tension and segregation.
It was also the year that Memphian Larry Finch made his debut with the Memphis State basketball team.
For many students then, college was the first time they experienced significant interaction with people of a different race.
"You could cut the racial tension on campus with a knife," said Harold Byrd, University of Memphis alumnus. "It was like a war and people were thrown together."
No one could foresee that one drive to the NCAA final four would bring a university and a city together.
No one thought that the actions of one player could lead blacks and whites to throw out years of hatred in emphatic victory embraces during Tiger basketball games at The Coliseum.
In 1973, Larry Finch led Memphis State to a 24-6 record and the Tiger's first final four appearance.
Despite scoring 29 points, Finch was unable to lead the Tigers past future NBA hall-of-famer Bill Walton and the UCLA Bruins, as Memphis fell 87-66.
What Memphis gained after that season was far more important than a chance to play for a national championship.
"Larry came along when this country and city was in great turmoil," said Byrd, long time friend of Finch. "He gave this city something that we could all believe in."
Long-time season ticket holder and alumna Francis Slover remembers watching Finch play.
The respect she felt for Finch during the exciting games at The Coliseum made for a great atmosphere.
"I think after you saw Larry score a basket, you really didn't care what color the person was beside you," Slover said.
It is this ability to cross all boundaries that has escaped Finch's legacy.
"He related with everyone," said Edward Cantler, assistant athletic director and former head trainer for the Tigers.
Make no mistake -- Finch is a sports hero. His name graces the side of The U of M basketball practice facility and his retired jersey hangs high in the FedExForum.
Finch is ranked in the top five in 21 statistical categories and is the all-time most wins coach in Tiger basketball history.
But as a young black college student, Finch commanded admiration from everyone.
"Larry used to walk across campus with a Hollywood smile that turned the heads of black and white students alike," Byrd said.
He carried his charisma as a player to a new position as head coach of the Tigers in 1986.
As a head coach, Finch's program produced U of M greats such as Eliot Perry, Anfernee Hardaway and David Vaughn to name a few. In his nine years as head coach, the Tigers did not suffer one scandal involving a player or coach.
"He was the key to Tiger basketball and the city rallied around Tiger basketball," said Cantler.
Though Finch had led the Tigers to several successes on the court and the sidelines, Finch was fired in 1997 after finishing the season with a 16-15 record.
The personality that brought together a divided city so long ago was no longer needed.
"It was hard for him to come to grips that it was truly over," said Cantrel. "Even years after, it was hard."
Years after being fired from The U of M, Finch received the Authur S. Holmon Lifetime Achievement Award earlier this month.
The award is given every year by The Black Student Association to a Memphian who has contributed a lifetime of service to the community.
After 35 years Memphis finally said thank you for all the things Finch gave that could not be read on a stat sheet.
"Larry gave this city something to believe in," said Byrd.
