By: Tyler Ward
Larry Finch, who led the Tigers to a 1973 NCAA championship appearance, has died at the age of 60.
Memphis spokesman Lamar Chance said Finch died at Saint Francis Hospital on Saturday.
His #21 jersey was also retired by Memphis.
He would go on to coach the Tigers before the 1986-87 season. He would become the Tigers' all-time leader in wins, as he would retire in 1997. When he retired, Finch had won 220 games and lost just 130.
Finch would also lead them to a Final Four appearance.
As he has gotten older, Finch had grown accustomed to health problems. He suffered a debilitating stroke in 2002 and in October 2010, he was hospitalized with a case of pneumonia.
It finally caught up to him on Saturday, but the cause of death is unknown thus far.
Gene Bartow, who coached Finch in the 1973 title game against UCLA, said in a statement, "I'm asked a lot about who was the greatest player I ever coached, and I always have the same answer: Larry Finch. Larry helped provide the roots for this city's wonderful basketball tradition, and his contributions to Memphis were immense. He will be missed."
Tigers athletics director R.C. Johnson also said of Finch, "Larry Finch was so much bigger than just a basketball player or a basketball coach. He did so much for the City of Memphis, his community and his University, that it would be hard to mention all of his achievements."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Finch family in their time of grief,
Johnson continued. "Larry Finch will live on in the memories of all Tiger fans. He will never be forgotten."
A few years after his pro career ended, Finch went into coaching at his alma mater. He became the head coach before the 1986 season, succeeding Dana Kirk.
He would lead the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament six times. Finch coached players such as Penny Hardaway, Lorenzen Wright, Elliot Perry, and David Vaughn.
To honor Finch, the Tigers named their practice facility after him in 2000.
"Coach Finch was one of the biggest influences in my life," said Elliott Perry, who played for Finch. "Playing for coach Finch at Memphis was a perfect scenario for me. He helped shape me as a basketball player, but more importantly into the person that I am today."
Current Memphis coach Josh Pastner said of Finch, "Larry Finch is one of the two most important figures in the city of Memphis' history, along with Elvis Presley. Larry surely will be missed, but his spirit will continue to be with us."
Finch was born in Memphis and attended Melrose High School. He started attending Memphis State University in 1970 and stayed there all four years.
During his final season in a blue and white uniform, Finch led the Tigers to a championship appearance against Bill Walton's UCLA Bruins.
Memphis lost the game, despite Finch scoring 29 points.
Finch was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1973, but instead signed with the Memphis Tams of the American Basketball Association.
He went into coaching after his playing career ended.
Finch will be sorely missed, as he was one of the best coaches in the school's history. He was a great person and we can do nothing, but honor his greatness.
