May 7, 2016 - Michael Wilson, former Harlem Globetrotter and Memphis Tigers forward, graduated from the University of Memphis on Saturday at FedEx Forum. (Andrea Morales / The Commercial Appeal)

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By Jason Smith of The Commercial Appeal

He went to a Sweet 16 under former University of Memphis coach Larry Finch in 1995, dunked his way into the Guinness Book of Records in 2000 and traveled the world for 10 years as a featured member of the Harlem Globetrotters.

But none of that topped Saturday for ex-Tiger Michael Wilson.

"Guinness Book of World Records — that's fine. But the things I'm most proud of — I try to be a great dad and now I got this," said Wilson, who 20 years after wrapping up his Tigers career was among 55 U of M student-athletes who earned their degrees Saturday.

Wilson, 43, whose freakish leaping ability helped earn him the nickname "Wild Thing" as a Globetrotter, drove 13 hours from Washington, D.C., with his wife and children to walk across the stage Saturday during the U of M's commencement at FedExForum.

Five other ex-Tigers joined Wilson and 49 current student-athletes in graduating Saturday, including former basketball standout Omar Sneed (1997-99) and former wide receiver Duke Calhoun (2006-09). Former Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch, a first-round draft pick of the Denver Broncos last month, also graduated Saturday.

"I wanted to show my kids that it's never too late," said Wilson, a Melrose High product who set a Guinness world record with a 12-foot dunk in 2000.

"I just wish coach Finch was here to see it, man. I know he would be proud. His son sent me a message (saying), 'I know Dad would be proud of you right now.' My dad, my uncle and (Finch) all went to high school together (at Melrose), so we kind of had a connection. He always expected big things from me. I know he's up there looking at me, proud."

Yet it was another former Tigers coach who Wilson said pushed him to return to school and finish the work to earn his degree in interdisciplinary studies.

"I'd been doing a little bit here and there, but I really got serious with it, honestly, when coach (Josh) Pastner reached out to me, man, and was like, 'Look, I've been looking at your stuff and you're almost finished. What are you waiting on?' " Wilson said.

"Honestly, man, I would hear from this guy — he would call or text me like I was part of the team. I know he's not the most favorite guy in Memphis. But when he left (to take the head job at Georgia Tech last month), I really thanked him for motivating me to do it."

Bob Baker, director of the U of M Center for Athletic Academic Services, said he's spoken with other former Tigers about returning and completing their degrees. Baker and a staff of academic advisers helped put the plan together for Wilson to finish. Wilson thanked them all personally Friday.

"It helps us when we get to help guys like (Wilson) finish up. It helps our APR (academic progress rate). It looks good for the institution. It's a win-win," Baker said. "We're very motivated to help guys finish up. I've only been here five years, but I've gone back and looked at previous rosters to figure out other guys we can target next."