U of M 2006 Graduates

Thirty-Three Tiger Athletes Set to Graduate Saturday

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Thirty-three student-athletes out of the University of Memphis athletic department are scheduled to graduate on Saturday, May 6th. Football leads the way with eight graduates, while women's track will graduate seven athletes in one of two ceremonies to be held on Saturday at FedExForum.

Anthony Rice, Men's Basketball - A four-year letterwinner, Anthony Rice placed his name in the Memphis basketball annals as one of the program's top shooters. He played in a school-record 134 career games, and started 98 of his last 99 contests. The Atlanta, Ga., native scored 1,201 career points, which is No. 23 on the Tiger all-time scoring chart. But, shooting the three-point shot was his specialty, and he hit key three-pointers throughout his career. He is No. 2 on the Memphis career three-pointers made list with 242 treys, and is also No. 2 on the season chart with 82 three-pointers in 2004-05. Named to the 2005 Conference USA All-Tournament Team, Rice was a member of Tiger squads that advanced to four-straight postseasons tournaments and won the 2002 NIT title. The 6-foot-4 guard will graduate with a bachelor's degree in University College/Art Gallery Management. Rice is currently playing with the North Mississippi Tornadoes of the World Basketball Association. Atlanta, Ga./North Clayton HS.

Almamy Thiero, Men's Basketball - Almamy Thiero, who missed the entire 2005-06 season with an ACL injury, had seen action the three previous years. The 6-foot-10 forward saw his most playing time during the 2004-05 campaign when he averaged 0.5 points and 1.7 boards in 23 games. The Mali, West Africa, native has played in 28 career games, but most of his time at Memphis has been limited as a result of injuries and illness. The latest injury was a torn right ACL in the summer of 2005 that kept him out the 2005-06 season. Thiero will graduate with a bachelor's degree in French, and he will continue his studies in 2006-07 as he completes his collegiate eligibility. Mali, West Africa/Mt. Zion (N.C.) Academy