Former NBA player Chris Douglas-Roberts was one of a handful of former student-athletes or boosters inducted or honored by the University of Memphis’ Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Billy J. Murphy Complex on Saturday, Feb. 22.
Along with the former consensus All-American, the University’s Athletics program and the M Club Board also welcomed former athletes Altrese Hawkins, Glenn Hill Sr., Reggie Howard, and Stasia Mallin to the elite group.
The star of the class was Roberts (basketball). Roberts was a member of the 2008 Final Four team that lost to the Kansas Jayhawks in overtime. He was a consensus All-American and was drafted by the New Jersey Nets. The Tigers won two straight Conference USA Championships.
Roberts led the Tigers basketball program during its 2008 NCAA Tournament run, where the Tigers fell to the Kansas Jayhawks 75-69 in an overtime National Championship game. He averaged 23.3 points during the tournament before foregoing his senior year and declaring for the draft. He was drafted by the New Jersey Nets with the 40th overall pick. A journeyman, he played with five NBA teams, the D-League, and overseas.
“It is a great feeling. It is hard to put into words. It is an awkward feeling to talk about myself. It just says hard work pays off. When I came here, I had no expectations of being an All-American. I just wanted to get better every day,” said Douglas-Roberts.
Hawkins had an outstanding volleyball career for the Tigers. The all-time record holder for career kills with 1,806, she is still the only player in school history with more than 1,800 kills. As a sophomore, Hawkins ranked 40th nationally with 3.96 kills per set. She also ranked in the top 10 in Conference USA for kills (463) and points (525).
Hill was a three-time Metro Conference track & field runner-up in 1979, 1980, and 1982. He still holds two program records: one as a member of the sprint medley relay team, and the other as a member of the indoor mile relay team with Victor Lacey, Keith Golden, and Tyjuan Cowan.
Howard played two seasons of Tigers football before going undrafted in 2000. During Super Bowl XXXVIII, he picked off Tom Brady during the Carolina Panthers’ 32-29 loss to the New England Patriots. Howard also played for the New Orleans Saints and the Miami Dolphins. He finished his NFL career with 251 tackles, six interceptions, 4.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles. Howard is currently the defensive backs coach at the University of Memphis.
“It is great. It is a great opportunity, and I am excited about it. It is something I never thought about. To be here and honored in Memphis is a very special day for me,” said Howard.
A four-year letterwoman, Mallin earned United Soccer Coaches First Team All-American honors during her senior season. She was also awarded First Team All-South Region and AAC First Team All-Conference during her playing career. Mallin is currently in her third year of medical school.
Among the honorees was former Tiger forward Ken Moody, who was awarded the Larry O. Finch Award as a former student-athlete who has demonstrated exceptional qualities during their life. The honor is awarded to individuals who adhere to Finch’s commitment to nurturing academics, athletics, and community. Finch was head coach of Memphis when Moody was a senior during the 1986-87 season.
Karen Fields Isaacman was honored with the Golden Tiger Award for her financial support of the University Athletic Department. The award is named in honor of former Memphis coach Dr. Cecil Humphreys, who also served as the school’s football coach, athletic director, and president. The law school also bears his name.
Phil Chamberlain was honored with the Billy J. Murphy Award as a former Memphis student-athlete who has achieved at the highest level of his or her chosen profession. The award is named after the legendary University of Memphis football coach, who holds the school record for victories with 91 wins.
Dave Woloshin was honored with the Silver M Award for his many years of exceptional service to the school’s athletic department. The recipient does not have to be a Memphis graduate.
Finally, Charlotte Peterson received the Murray Armstrong Award for her long and distinguished career with the University of Memphis Athletic Department. Peterson was the school’s tennis coach from 1975 to 2007.
