Montana Griz Stars Earn Hall of Fame Honors

Congratulations to a couple of former Montana Grizzly Basketball stars on being inducted into their respective halls of fame.

Michael Ray Richardson Inducted Into The Big Sky Hall of Fame

Richardson played under former Griz head coach Jud Heathcote from 1974 to 1978. He appeared in 107 games and can still be found across the Grizzly record books. Richardson trails only Larry Krystkowiak as the all-time leading scorer in men's basketball history with 1827 career points.

Sugar Ray was a three-time All-Big Sky First Team performer and led the Griz to an NCAA Tournament victory over Utah State in 1975.

My favorite fun fact about Richardson is that he remains the highest Big Sky Conference NBA draft pick, selected 4th in the 1978 Draft by the New York Knicks.

Richardson was a four-time All-Star in the NBA, but was banned from the league in 1986 for testing positive for cocaine for a third time in three years.

Unfortunately, Richardson passed away last year in November.

Will Cherry Inducted Into The University of Montana Hall of Fame

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When I told my coworker this morning that Will Cherry was being inducted to the Grizzly Sports Hall of Fame, he turned to me and said "Yes! He was one of my favorites," with a fist pump.

Cherry played in 116 games for the Grizzlies, where he was named a three-time All-Big Sky performer and a two-time Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

His teams were ultra successful as well, winning the Big Sky Tournament three times out of his four years at Montana.

He appeared in three NCAA Tournament games against New Mexico, Wisconsin, and Syracuse (three losses, unfortunately) and another appearance in the CBI Tournament.

The Grizzly Sports Hall of Fame ceremony will be held on Friday, September 11.