Ceremony to be held prior to Chattanooga game

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Dec. 31, 2018)– The East Tennessee State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Monday that they will retire Buccaneer great Greg Dennis’ jersey prior to this Saturday’s ETSU basketball game against Chattanooga.

Dennis, who wore number 11 for the Buccaneers from 1987-92, is ETSU’s all-time leader in free throws made (505), while ranking second in points scored (2,204) and field goals made (808), and third in rebounds (895) and blocks (174). Dennis played in 127 career games, while being a part of the Bucs’ run of four straight NCAA Tournament appearances from 1989-92, including the 1992 first round win over Arizona.

“I am thrilled, honored and humbled all at same time that ETSU feels appropriate to retire my jersey,” said Dennis, who was inducted into the ETSU Hall of Fame in 2004. “One of my highs was getting inducted into the Hall of Fame and now this is icing on the cake. I want to extend thanks to all of the responsible parties that have made this happen. I particularly want to thank Coach (Steve) Forbes for what he has done with the program and reconnecting all generations of ETSU basketball.”

Head coach Steve Forbes and the Bucs are excited to honor Greg Dennis this weekend.

“Greg Dennis is one of the best to ever wear a Buccaneer uniform. He is most deserving of this honor,” said Forbes. “His legacy at ETSU is one our fans will never forget. Greg represents everything on and off the floor that makes our program special.”

Dennis earned Southern Conference Freshman of the Year honors in 1987-88, while being tabbed SoCon Tournament MVP in 1992 after he scored a game-high 28 points in the 74-63 win over Chattanooga in the championship game. The Buccaneer standout was a four-time all-conference and all-tournament team selection.

Looking back at his career, Dennis is thankful for all of the relationships that were built during his time at ETSU.

“When you are playing, all of the accolades and achievements don’t really hit you until years after,” said Dennis, who scored 31 points against Michigan in the second round of the 1992 NCAA Tournament. “I loved playing the game and put in a lot of hard work. I wanted to represent ETSU and do as much as I could for the university. I am extremely proud to be given the opportunity to wear the ETSU jersey. ETSU and Johnson City will always have a special place in my heart. I am thankful for all the friendships and brotherhood that were built during my time at ETSU. Without my teammates, none of this would be possible.”

Following his ETSU career, Dennis played professionally in both the United States and overseas, until 2000 when he entered into the financial services field. Dennis is currently working as an advisor for United Brokerage Services.

Dennis will be honored in a pregame ceremony prior to Saturday’s game. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. inside Freedom Hall. To purchase tickets, visit ETSUBucs.com or call 423-439-3878. Dennis is featured on Saturday’s game ticket.

This season, the ETSU men’s basketball team is celebrating its centennial season. In that time, the Bucs have become one of the country’s top mid-major programs, with 10 trips all-time to the NCAA Tournament, 22 conference titles and 1,300-plus victories.

For complete information on ETSU men’s basketball, follow the program via social media on Twitter (@ETSU_MBB) and Instagram (@etsubasketball).

For more information on Buccaneer men’s basketball, visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the men’s basketball link.