NASHVILLE, TN – January 20, 2025 – Knoxville native, NBA player and coach Elston Turner has been named to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Turner was told of the news Monday in Memphis before the Grizzlies-Timberwolves matchup at FedEx Forum. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery,pays homage to the state’s rich sports history and their impact within the community.
“Elston Turner has given his life to playing and coaching the game he loves,” said Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “He’s long been a great ambassador to the game, and as a native Knoxvillian, we’re very excited to have him as part of our 2025 Class of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.”
Turner was born in Knoxville and attended Austin East High School, where he helped lead the Roadrunners to a state championship in 1977. Turner played basketball collegiately at the University of Mississippi, leading Ole Miss to an SEC Tournament Championship in 1981. Turner was picked in the second round of the 1981 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks and went on to play from 1981-1989 for the Mavericks, the Denver Nuggets, and the Chicago Bulls. Turner also played in the CBA and in Europe.
Turner began his coaching career in 1994 with the CBA’s Chicago Rockers, and has served as an assistant coach in the NBA since 1996. Turner has spent time with the Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, and the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he has coached since 2021.
Turner was named to the Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame in 1994 and the University of Mississippi Hall of Fame in 2000.
Turner joins George Pitts and Bob Brown as announced members of the Class of 2025. The full 2025 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class will be released over the coming weeks.
The 2025 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, presented by the Tennessee Titans, will be held Saturday, July 19nd at the Omni Nashville Downtown. Ticket information will be announced soon.
About the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, enshrines and honors athletes, teams, coaches, sports writers and sports administrators who have made an impact on the history of Tennessee sports. The Hall serves as a platform to connect athletes, coaches, sports fans, and supporters by acknowledging life achievements implemented through sports. The Hall celebrates athletes of all forms, from all across the state. Additionally, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame aspires to educate youth about the importance of healthy habits and the positive impact they have on lifestyle choices. For more information, visit www.tshf.net.
About the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation
The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation operates entirely from the revenue it generates through the sale of its products. Since January 20, 2004, the Lottery has raised more than $7.6 billion to fund designated education programs, including college grants, scholarships, Drive to 55 initiatives and after-school programs. In addition to the educational beneficiaries, players have won more than $20.8 billion in prizes and Lottery retailers have earned more than $2 billion in commissions. For additional information, visit tnlottery.com and follow the TEL on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
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