Eastern Michigan Athletics
Men's Basketball Legend George Gervin Receives Honorary Degree
12/11/2008 12:44:48 PM | Men's Basketball, General
NBA great honored at halftime of basketball game
YPSILANTI, Mich. — Former Eastern Michigan University All-American basketball player George Gervin will receive an honorary baccalaureate degree from Eastern Michigan University in a special presentation at halftime of the EMU-St. Bonaventure men’s basketball game, Dec. 20, 2008, here in the Convocation Center. The EMU Board of Regents announced the honorary degree in September.
"George Gervin is not only a legend at Eastern Michigan University, but he is also one of the all-time greats of the NBA, and we are excited to get this opportunity to continue to show our gratitude to George for all that he has done for the University," EMU director of athletics Dr. Derrick Gragg said.
For Gervin, it is the third honor Eastern Michigan has bestowed on the men’s basketball All-American. His jersey was retired in 1986 and he was elected to the EMU Athletic Hall of Fame in1993.
Gervin led EMU to the Final Four of the NCAA College Division National Championship in 1971-72 and earned All-American honors that year as a sophomore. He finished his college career with 1,044 points and 562 rebounds.
After leaving EMU in 1972, Gervin began his professional basketball career that year with the Virginia Squires of the American Basketball Association. He went on to play for the San Antonio Spurs and the Chicago Bulls in the NBA.
Gervin was a nine-time NBA All-Star (1977-85) and was the NBA All-Star Game MVP in 1980. He was named one of the Top 50 Greatest Players in the history of the NBA and was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996.
Prior to the men’s game, the EMU women’s basketball team under second-year head coach AnnMarie Gilbert will host the University of Detroit women’s team in a 2 p.m. contest in the Convocation Center.
EMU will be giving away autographed George Gervin posters to the first 1,500 people to enter the Convocation Center. Tickets for EMU men’s basketball games are $9 for adults and $7 for youth. Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets at the group rate of $3. Tickets can be purchased by calling 734.487.2282 or visiting www.emueagles.com.
