Tony Delk is a 10-year NBA veteran, sports commentator, and entrepreneur. He was born in Covington, Tennessee and raised in Brownsville. He was born to Florence and Leslie Delk Sr. and had 11 older brothers and sisters. His humble beginnings are what has kept him grounded throughout his career and success. His big brothers served as mentors, coaches, and supporters, encouraging him in basketball and in life.
Delk attended Haywood High School where he surrounded himself around the positive childhood friends he grew up with. He was Mr. Basketball in 1992 and Mr. HHS. Delk sold out high school gyms and gained national exposure when he started playing in the AAU circuit at the age of 16.
He attended the University of Kentucky from 1992-1996. During his time, he became part of the first team all-American, SEC Player of the Year, Most Outstanding Player of the final four in 1996, and a National Champion. Delk was coached by Hall of Famer, Coach Rick Pitino, known as one of the best motivators and technicians of the game.
Delk was drafted 16th pick for the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 1996 NBA draft. He went on to play for 10 years for eight different organizations and made seven playoff appearances. After his NBA career, he played for Greece and Puerto Rico before going into collegiate coaching.
Life after basketball has seen Delk take on new ventures. He currently has a private wine label, is an author of his book “Sh00ter the Story Behind the Double Zeros,” and is the Founder and Director of the Tony Delk Basketball Academy. Delk also invests in businesses. One he is most proud of is the Tony Delk IMAC Regeneration Clinic in Lexington, Kentucky.
He founded The Taylor Delk Sickle Cell Foundation, named after his eldest daughter who was born with sickle cell. Now Taylor, 20, is running the foundation herself.
Welcome to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2020, Tony Delk.