Eastern Michigan Athletics
Photo by: Steve King/KingStudios
Ice in Bronze: Statue of George Gervin Unveiled
8/31/2023 9:04:00 PM | Men's Basketball, General
Statue of Gervin's iconic finger roll will welcome fans to the arena bearing his name
Complete Ceremony Video | Ceremony Highlights
Press Conference Video | Photo Gallery.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Whether leading Eastern Michigan University's men's basketball team to the Final Four or pouring in over 25,000 points as a professional, George Gervin often stood tall on the court. Now, his likeness will stand tall outside the arena bearing his name.
A statue depicting The Ice Man and his signature finger roll was unveiled outside the George Gervin GameAbove Center today, Aug. 31, with Gervin and his family on hand for the ceremony. The solid bronze statue and its base measure 16-foot-8 from the ground to the top of the basketball in his hand.
"To look at myself now and see how far time has went by, and I have a statue now at a beautiful university that I can see, and the world can see," mentioned Gervin. "There ain't nothing like it. I'm thankful."
The statue was crafted in Boise, Idaho, by Ben Victor before being transported to Ypsilanti where a base of granite was created specifically for the statue. Victor's creation features Gervin standing 11-foot-8 with a one-foot bronze cone connecting the statue to a four-foot granite base. All told, from inception to installation, the entire project took nearly 20 months.
"It takes your breath away," EMU President Dr. James Smith added. "It's really spectacular, and, as George says, it looks just like him when we have photos from when he played. And, of course, his cute line, 'I'm still handsome'."
One of the all-time EMU greats, Gervin led the then-Hurons to the 1972 NCAA College Division Tournament Final Four as he averaged 29.5 points and 15.3 rebounds on the year. In his two-year career in Ypsilanti, the Detroit native scored 1,044 points and pulled down 562 rebounds. Following the 1971-72 season, he was named NCAA College Division First Team All-American by United Press International and the National Basketball Coaches Association.
Following his time with EMU, Gervin went on to star in both the American Basketball Association (ABA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA). Inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 1996, Gervin was selected one of the top 50 and top 75 players in NBA history. The NBA's Player of the Year in 1977-78, he scored more than 25,000 points during career and was named an NBA All-Star six times.
Gervin's No. 24 jersey was retired at EMU Jan. 17, 1986, and was the first retired in program history. Then, on Dec. 11, 2021, the Eagles captured a 92-88 victory over Florida International University in quadruple overtime inside the facility that saw its name changed that day from the Convocation Center to the George Gervin GameAbove Center.
2023 EMU MBB Golf Outing
The 2023 Eastern Michigan University Men's Basketball Golf Outing returns to Eagle Crest Golf Club Friday, Oct. 6. The annual event will also coincide with EMU's Homecoming Weekend. Registration for the golf outing is $165 per player or $650 per team of four and includes each player's greens fees, cart fees, driving range access, breakfast, beverages, lunch at the turn, a post-outing meal, and door prizes. For non-golfers, tickets to the luncheon portion of the event can be purchased for $85 per seat.
The event, which will take place during EMU's annual Homecoming festivities, is a must-attend for Eastern basketball fans! Participants will have the opportunity to play alongside revered EMU Basketball alumni spanning six decades, meet the members of this year's team ahead of their 2023-24 campaign, and spend time with Heath and the rest of the EMU coaching staff. Click the following link to register and/or obtain more information: https://conta.cc/3OJjSpG.
Season Tickets Are On Sale
Season tickets for the upcoming 2023-24 Eastern Michigan University basketball campaign are now on sale! With prices starting at less than $10 per game, the Eagles are ready to take flight inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center. Thanks to your support, average attendance more than doubled from the previous year and we want to see all of you back when we tip-off again in November!
When you return to the GameAbove Center, you will see and feel noticeable improvements to the gameday experience beginning with installation of Wi Fi and upgraded 5G service throughout the arena. In addition, the video board upgrades will be completed to make the in-game atmosphere even better for fans in attendance. And this year, come to games showing your Eastern pride as all fans will receive a free clear tote bag with their purchase of season tickets.
To purchase yours now, visit EMUEagles.com/Tickets or contact the EMU Ticket Office at 734.487.3669.
Follow Us
For the most up-to-date information on the Eagles, visit EMUEagles.com. Fans can also follow the team on social media, including Twitter (@EMU_MBB) and Instagram (@EMUMBB).
Press Conference Video | Photo Gallery.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Whether leading Eastern Michigan University's men's basketball team to the Final Four or pouring in over 25,000 points as a professional, George Gervin often stood tall on the court. Now, his likeness will stand tall outside the arena bearing his name.
A statue depicting The Ice Man and his signature finger roll was unveiled outside the George Gervin GameAbove Center today, Aug. 31, with Gervin and his family on hand for the ceremony. The solid bronze statue and its base measure 16-foot-8 from the ground to the top of the basketball in his hand.
"To look at myself now and see how far time has went by, and I have a statue now at a beautiful university that I can see, and the world can see," mentioned Gervin. "There ain't nothing like it. I'm thankful."
The statue was crafted in Boise, Idaho, by Ben Victor before being transported to Ypsilanti where a base of granite was created specifically for the statue. Victor's creation features Gervin standing 11-foot-8 with a one-foot bronze cone connecting the statue to a four-foot granite base. All told, from inception to installation, the entire project took nearly 20 months.
"It takes your breath away," EMU President Dr. James Smith added. "It's really spectacular, and, as George says, it looks just like him when we have photos from when he played. And, of course, his cute line, 'I'm still handsome'."
One of the all-time EMU greats, Gervin led the then-Hurons to the 1972 NCAA College Division Tournament Final Four as he averaged 29.5 points and 15.3 rebounds on the year. In his two-year career in Ypsilanti, the Detroit native scored 1,044 points and pulled down 562 rebounds. Following the 1971-72 season, he was named NCAA College Division First Team All-American by United Press International and the National Basketball Coaches Association.
Following his time with EMU, Gervin went on to star in both the American Basketball Association (ABA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA). Inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 1996, Gervin was selected one of the top 50 and top 75 players in NBA history. The NBA's Player of the Year in 1977-78, he scored more than 25,000 points during career and was named an NBA All-Star six times.
Gervin's No. 24 jersey was retired at EMU Jan. 17, 1986, and was the first retired in program history. Then, on Dec. 11, 2021, the Eagles captured a 92-88 victory over Florida International University in quadruple overtime inside the facility that saw its name changed that day from the Convocation Center to the George Gervin GameAbove Center.
2023 EMU MBB Golf Outing
The 2023 Eastern Michigan University Men's Basketball Golf Outing returns to Eagle Crest Golf Club Friday, Oct. 6. The annual event will also coincide with EMU's Homecoming Weekend. Registration for the golf outing is $165 per player or $650 per team of four and includes each player's greens fees, cart fees, driving range access, breakfast, beverages, lunch at the turn, a post-outing meal, and door prizes. For non-golfers, tickets to the luncheon portion of the event can be purchased for $85 per seat.
The event, which will take place during EMU's annual Homecoming festivities, is a must-attend for Eastern basketball fans! Participants will have the opportunity to play alongside revered EMU Basketball alumni spanning six decades, meet the members of this year's team ahead of their 2023-24 campaign, and spend time with Heath and the rest of the EMU coaching staff. Click the following link to register and/or obtain more information: https://conta.cc/3OJjSpG.
Season Tickets Are On Sale
Season tickets for the upcoming 2023-24 Eastern Michigan University basketball campaign are now on sale! With prices starting at less than $10 per game, the Eagles are ready to take flight inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center. Thanks to your support, average attendance more than doubled from the previous year and we want to see all of you back when we tip-off again in November!
When you return to the GameAbove Center, you will see and feel noticeable improvements to the gameday experience beginning with installation of Wi Fi and upgraded 5G service throughout the arena. In addition, the video board upgrades will be completed to make the in-game atmosphere even better for fans in attendance. And this year, come to games showing your Eastern pride as all fans will receive a free clear tote bag with their purchase of season tickets.
To purchase yours now, visit EMUEagles.com/Tickets or contact the EMU Ticket Office at 734.487.3669.
Follow Us
For the most up-to-date information on the Eagles, visit EMUEagles.com. Fans can also follow the team on social media, including Twitter (@EMU_MBB) and Instagram (@EMUMBB).
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