University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: UofM Athletic Media Relations
Tigers To Honor Herb Hilliard
Feb 24, 2017 | Men's Basketball
MEMPHIS – The University of Memphis will honor Herb Hilliard at the men's basketball game on Sunday as part of a celebration of Black History Month. The Tigers ask all fans to stay in their seats at halftime for a special presentation in Hilliard's honor.
Hilliard was the first African-American to play basketball for the University of Memphis, and competed for the Tigers from 1967-69. The Millington, Tenn., native played in 37 career games and averaged 2.9 points and 4.3 rebounds, while shooting 50.8 percent from the field. In his first season in 1967-68, the 6-foot-4 forward/guard was the Tigers' second-leading rebounder with 130 rebounds and was also second on the team in field goal shooting at 51.2 percent. Hilliard shot 50 percent from the floor in 1968-69.
While Hilliard was a pioneer for the Memphis basketball program, he has continued to play a leading role in Memphis and beyond. Among his many contributions, Hilliard is or has served as a member of the American Bankers Association Government Relations Council, the Tennessee Bankers Association Government Relations Council, the Financial Services Roundtable Government Relations Committee, the RMA Enterprise Risk Council, Chairman of the National Civil Rights Museum, the Board of BlueCross/Blue Shield Tennessee and Commissioner of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority.
He earned a BBA from Memphis State in personnel administration and industrial relations and in 2009, Hilliard was awarded the M Club's Billy J. Murphy Award, given annually to a former Memphis student-athlete who has made significant contributions in his or her professional life.
Hilliard was the first African-American to play basketball for the University of Memphis, and competed for the Tigers from 1967-69. The Millington, Tenn., native played in 37 career games and averaged 2.9 points and 4.3 rebounds, while shooting 50.8 percent from the field. In his first season in 1967-68, the 6-foot-4 forward/guard was the Tigers' second-leading rebounder with 130 rebounds and was also second on the team in field goal shooting at 51.2 percent. Hilliard shot 50 percent from the floor in 1968-69.
While Hilliard was a pioneer for the Memphis basketball program, he has continued to play a leading role in Memphis and beyond. Among his many contributions, Hilliard is or has served as a member of the American Bankers Association Government Relations Council, the Tennessee Bankers Association Government Relations Council, the Financial Services Roundtable Government Relations Committee, the RMA Enterprise Risk Council, Chairman of the National Civil Rights Museum, the Board of BlueCross/Blue Shield Tennessee and Commissioner of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority.
He earned a BBA from Memphis State in personnel administration and industrial relations and in 2009, Hilliard was awarded the M Club's Billy J. Murphy Award, given annually to a former Memphis student-athlete who has made significant contributions in his or her professional life.
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