Memphis Grizzlies’ Tony Allen, Vols’ Deon Grant and Knoxville’s Elston Turner to be Honored
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Jan. 23, 2025 – The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame (TSHF) will honor three more standout athletes among its 2025 class with the additions of Tony Allen, Deon Grant and Elston Turner. TSHF Executive Director Brad Willis surprised the athletes in announcements across the state this week. Allen, Grant and Turner join previously announced inductees George Pitts and Bob Brown, with additional names to be announced over the coming weeks. These additions celebrate the diverse talents and contributions of Tennessee’s athletes, furthering the state’s legacy in the sports world. Sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame pays homage to the state’s rich sports history and its impact within the community.
The Memphis Grizzlies will retire Tony Allen's jersey after their game against the Miami Heat on Saturday, March 15th. You can listen to the ceremony on 92.9 FM ESPN.
“Tony, Deon and Elston exemplify leadership, dedication and excellence in their respective fields,” said Brad Willis, Executive Director, TSHF. “Their impact goes beyond the playing field and court, making them exemplary role models for future generations and underscoring the mission of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.”
About the 2025 inductees:
Tony Allen—A defining force in the NBA, Tony Allen is best known for his time with the Memphis Grizzlies. Allen was born in Chicago and played collegiately at Oklahoma State. He was named Big 12 Player of the Year before being drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics in 2004. He won an NBA Championship with the Celtics in 2008, and signed with Memphis during the 2010 offseason. During his time with the Grizzlies, Allen was named to the NBA’S All Defensive First Team in 2012, 2013 and 2015, and was named to the NBA’s All Defensive Second Team in 2011, 2016 and 2017. Dubbed “The Grindfather” by teammates and fans, Allen cemented himself amongst the all-time favorites in Grizzlies history. His number 9 will be retired by the team in March of this year. Allen was told of the news Tuesday during his weekly appearance on the Chris Vernon Show in Memphis (watch the video).
Deon Grant—Before his illustrious NFL career, Deon Grant played safety at the University of Tennessee from 1997-1999, serving as an integral part of the Volunteers defense during a period of time that saw the Vols go 33-5 and win a National Championship. Grant was named a consensus First-Team All-American in 1999, and finished his junior season with 69 tackles, nine interceptions and eight pass breakups. He declared for the NFL Draft in 2000, following his junior year, and was selected in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. Grant played in the NFL for 12 seasons with the Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Seattle Seahawks and New York Giants. Grant is a Super Bowl Champion, serving as part of the Giants team that won Super Bowl XLVI. Grant was told via Zoom by former Tennessee Head Football Coach Phillip Fulmer (watch the video).
Elston Turner—Knoxville native Elston Turner made his mark both as a player and coach. Turner attended Austin East High School in Knoxville, where he helped lead the Roadrunners to a state championship in 1977. He played basketball collegiately at the University of Mississippi, leading Ole Miss to an SEC Tournament Championship in 1981. Turner was picked in the second round of the 1981 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks and went on to play from 1981-1989 for the Mavericks, the Denver Nuggets and the Chicago Bulls. He also played in the CBA and in Europe. Turner began his coaching career in 1994 with the CBA’s Chicago Rockers and has served as an assistant coach in the NBA since 1996. He spent time with the Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies and the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he has coached since 2021. Turner was named to the Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame in 1994 and the University of Mississippi Hall of Fame in 2000. Turner was told of the news Monday in Memphis before the Grizzlies- Timberwolves matchup at FedEx Forum (watch the video).
The induction ceremony, presented by the Tennessee Titans, will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Omni Nashville Downtown. More details, including ticket information, will be announced soon.
About the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, enshrines and honors athletes, teams, coaches, sports writers and sports administrators who have made an impact on the history of Tennessee sports. The Hall serves as a platform to connect athletes, coaches, sports fans, and supporters by acknowledging life achievements implemented through sports. The Hall celebrates athletes of all forms, from all across the state. Additionally, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame aspires to educate youth about the importance of healthy habits and the positive impact they have on lifestyle choices. For more information, visit www.tshf.net.
About the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation
The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation operates entirely from the revenue it generates through the sale of its products. Since January 20, 2004, the Lottery has raised more than $7.6 billion to fund designated education programs, including college grants, scholarships, Drive to 55 initiatives and after-school programs. In addition to the educational beneficiaries, players have won more than $20.8 billion in prizes and Lottery retailers have earned more than $2 billion in commissions. For additional information, visit tnlottery.com and follow the TEL on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.