According to a press release I received a couple days ago, George “The Iceman” Gervin is going to be receiving all kinds of honors at the basketball games this weekend. I don’t really know how long Gervin was at EMU since the wikipedia entry says he played college ball at both EMU and Long Beach State, and that he left college for the pros (the ABA in those days) after an “altercation.” But scholar or not, he’s a hall of fame basketball great.
I’ll be out of town, but it could be good weekend fun. The press release is after the “Read More” part.
Detroit Native and NBA All-Star Returns To Eastern Michigan University
EMU to present NBA great George Gervin with honorary bachelor’s degree
YPSILANTI, Mich., Dec. 15, 2008 – The Iceman is back! George Gervin, NBA Hall of Famer and former Eastern Michigan University basketball star, will receive an honorary bachelor’s degree Saturday, Dec. 20, during halftime of the EMU Men’s Basketball game at 4 p.m. at the Convocation Center against St. Bonaventure University.
The event is part of an afternoon of basketball action as the EMU women’s team will also take on the University of Detroit at 2 p.m. Only one ticket is needed for admission to both games.
“We are very excited to welcome George Gervin back to EMU,” said Dr. Derrick Gragg, EMU’s Director of Athletics. “It is our pleasure to honor him with an honorary Bachelor’s degree. His story is a great example of how a person can see the world and have a positive influence on so many lives on so many levels.”
Gervin is a nine-time NBA All-Star known for his scoring abilities. He is remembered by his signature finger-roll and making most of his shots seem easy. Gervin averaged 29.5 points as a sophomore at EMU and at least 21 points in 12 professional seasons making more than half of his NBA field goal attempts.
Gervin is scheduled to speak with both the men’s and women’s basketball teams during his visit to EMU. Additionally, EMU will be giving away autographed George Gervin posters to the first 1,500 people to enter the Convocation Center.
“Many of our players are knowledgeable about him as one of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players of all-time,” said Gragg.
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.
For more information about EMU Basketball promotions, visit http://www.emueagles.com/Sports/gen/2008/0809MBBPromotions.asp.
It is altogether fitting that Mr. George Gervin was honored by EMU with an honorary baccalaureate degree during yeserday’s game. Mr. Gervin is not only one of the most notable players in the history of basketball, and probably the most distinguished EMU athlete ever, he has, in the years since retirement, proven himself to be a devoted community member and an advocate of education. Honorary degrees are rightfully to awarded to accomplished people like him.
I didn’t attend the game yesterday, but I talked to several who did, and they said the ceremony was both touching and inspiring. For a great athlete who has seriously stressed the values of education, getting a degree from the school he played at for two years is no doubt a real honor, a meaningful one. Hats off to everyone who made this EMU tribute to the great Basketball Hall of Fame member, Mr. George “the Iceman” Gervin, possible!