Memphis Retired former Star: The Memphis Grizzlies will retire the jersey of Tony Allen, a former standout player from Ohio State University.

The jersey of the leader of the Cowboys’ last Final Four team will soon be hung in the rafters in Memphis.

One of Oklahoma State’s standout basketball players is set to receive one of the NBA’s most esteemed accolades in the upcoming season. Former OSU guard Tony Allen has confirmed that his jersey will be retired by the Memphis Grizzlies sometime next season, as reported by the Commercial Appeal. This announcement comes as no surprise, given Allen’s pivotal role in the Grizzlies’ most successful era. Alongside players like Mike Conley, Zach Randolph, and Marc Gasol, Allen played a crucial part in elevating the franchise to unprecedented heights.

In Memphis, Allen was affectionately dubbed the “Grindfather,” symbolizing the relentless spirit of the Grit and Grind era. Over his seven seasons with the Grizzlies, Allen was instrumental in securing playoff berths every year, a remarkable achievement for a franchise that had only seen six playoff appearances in its other 22 seasons.

Renowned for his defensive prowess, Allen earned six All-Defensive team selections with the Grizzlies and placed in the top 10 in Defensive Player of the Year voting on five occasions. His defensive contributions were pivotal in propelling the Grizzlies to the 2013 Western Conference Finals, marking their sole appearance in the conference finals to date.

Throughout his career, Allen earned praise from some of the NBA’s most prolific scorers, including Kobe Bryant, who regarded him as the toughest defender they faced. This sentiment is underscored by Allen’s consistent ability to stifle or limit opposing stars.

While Allen commenced his NBA journey with the Boston Celtics, where he clinched an NBA title in 2008, it was in Memphis where he truly flourished, epitomizing the team’s defensive ethos. This ethos mirrored the defensive-minded legacy established by Eddie Sutton in Stillwater, where Allen showcased his defensive tenacity during his two seasons at OSU.

Allen played a pivotal role in OSU’s memorable 2004 campaign, which saw the Cowboys reach the Final Four. During that season, Allen averaged 16 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game, earning him accolades such as Big 12 Player of the Year and MVP of the conference tournament.

Allen’s impact resonates profoundly in both Stillwater and Memphis, serving as a poignant reminder of his remarkable contributions over nearly two decades. As both teams aspire to reach similar heights in the future, Allen’s legacy stands as a testament to his enduring influence on the sport.