Ron Mercer to be Inducted into Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – UK Athletics Hall of Famer and 1996 National Champion Ron Mercer will be officially inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday at the Omni Nashville Downtown hotel.
A star at Kentucky during the 1996 and 1997 seasons, Mercer was a consensus first team All-American, a two-time member of the NCAA Tournament All-Final Four Team, a Southeastern Conference Player of the Year and SEC Tournament MVP. He won a national championship with the Wildcats in 1996 and was a member of the national runner-up squad in 1997. He scored 1,013 points during his two-year collegiate career before being drafted sixth overall by the Boston Celtics in the 1997 NBA Draft.
During an eight-year NBA career, Mercer played for the Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, San Antonio Spurs and New Jersey Nets. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 1998.
“Ron Mercer’s excellence at every level of basketball is a testament to his talent and determination,” Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, said. “From Nashville’s high school courts to national championships in college and a successful professional career, Ron’s legacy is one that inspires Tennessee athletes and fans alike.”
Mercer is joined in the 2026 class by Monica Abbott, Jenifer Azzi, Matt Cain, Jerry Caldwell, Mike Clary, Reggie Cobb, Antone Davis, Kermit Davis, Marc Gasol, Bubba Luckett, Charles McRae, David Price, Pete Weber and Jason Witten.
About the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, honors athletes, teams, coaches, sports writers and sports administrators who have made a meaningful impact on the history of Tennessee sports. The Hall serves as a platform to connect athletes, coaches, fans and supporters while celebrating achievements shaped through sports. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame also seeks to educate youth on the importance of healthy habits and the positive role sports play in developing character and leadership. For more information, visit www.tshf.net.
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