NASHVILLE, TN – March 18, 2023 – Memphis Grizzlies legend Zach Randolph has been named to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023. The two-time NBA All Star was surprised with the news Saturday night during the Grizzlies- Warriors matchup at FedEx Forum. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame pays homage to the state’s rich sports history and their impact within the community. On behalf of sponsor Tennessee Lottery, the Hall offers free admission at their downtown Nashville location Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
*Photo used with permission from Memphis Grizzlies
“No one is more synonymous with the “Grit and Grind” era of the Memphis Grizzlies than Zach Randolph. His play on the court and his commitment to the city of Memphis off the court captivated Grizzlies fans for his entire time in the Bluff City,” said Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “We’re very excited to have Zach Randolph as part of our 2023 Class of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.”
Randolph was born in Marion, Indiana, and attended Michigan State University for one year, before being drafted in the first round of the 2001 NBA Draft by the Portland Trailblazers. The power forward spent 17 seasons in the NBA, but his 8 seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies were the most prolific of his career. Randolph was named an NBA All Star in 2010 and 2013 as he was one of the key leaders that led the Grizzlies to the NBA Playoffs in six-straight seasons, including a trip the Western Conference Finals in 2013. Randolph’s #50 jersey was the first jersey number retired by the Memphis Grizzlies franchise.
Randolph joins former Titans linebacker Keith Bulluck, former Nashville Predators Captain Mike Fisher, Memphis Football linebacker Tim Harris, MTSU baseball legend Steve Smith, golfer Loren Roberts, Bristol Motor Speedway Co- Founder Carl R. Moore, ETSU Basketball Coach and Athletics Director Les Robinson, and Lady Vol Track star and Olympic Gold Medalist Tianna Madison as 2023 Inductees. The full 2023 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class will be released over the coming weeks.
The 2023 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, presented by the Tennessee Titans, will be held Saturday, July 22nd at the Omni Nashville Downtown. Ticket information will be announced at a later date.
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. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame is located at 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203. 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 $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 $16.5 billion in prizes and Lottery retailers have earned more than $1.5 billion in commissions. For additional information, visit tnlottery.com and follow the TEL on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
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