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Grizzlies Star Admits College Basketball Tribute Is a 'Dream Come True'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Enzo Flojo | Last updated Feb 18, 2025 8:40 PM ET

Memphis Grizzlies star Desmond Bane took a moment to reflect on his journey after receiving a special honor from his alma mater. Texas Christian University (TCU) Athletics retired Bane’s jersey in a halftime ceremony during their men’s basketball game against Texas Tech Tuesday, a tribute that left the sharpshooter emotional.

A two-time All-Big 12 Conference selection, Bane starred for the Horned Frogs from 2016 to 2020, rewriting the record books before becoming a first-round pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Now in his fifth season with the Grizzlies, Bane has established himself as a cornerstone in Memphis but remains deeply connected to his college roots.

“Coming from a small city—Richmond, Indiana—I never imagined something like this,” Bane said after the tribute, according to Grind City Media. “It’s a dream come true. A lot of people had their hand in this success... extremely blessed and thankful.”

.@memgrizz star Desmond Bane on getting his jersey retired at TCU:

“never imagined something like this. it’s a dream come true” pic.twitter.com/tDjOyTLPMc
— Grind City Media (@grindcitymedia) February 19, 2025

Bane’s impact at TCU is undeniable. He graduated as the program’s all-time leader in 3-pointers (249), wins (84) and games played (141). He also finished third all-time in points (1,784) and made field goals (659) while ranking fifth in career 3-point percentage (43.3 percent).

Drafted 30th overall by the Boston Celtics before being traded to Memphis, Bane has since blossomed into one of the league’s elite shooting guards.

This season, he is averaging 18.1 points per game while shooting 39.3 percent from beyond the arc. His rise is a testament to his work ethic and the foundation he built at TCU.

For Bane, this tribute wasn’t just about basketball—it was a reminder of how far he has come. And with the Grizzlies' star still ascending, his story is far from over.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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