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Former Tiger great Mike Butler passes

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Former University of Memphis basketball great Mike Butler, one of the top shooting guards in the school's history and a 1987 inductee to the M Club Hall of Fame, died Sunday. He was 72.

As a hometown product, Butler was a popular player for the Tigers in the 1960s while competing first for coach Dean Ehlers and later Moe Iba. During the 1966-67 season – Iba's first -- Butler helped Tigers to a 17-9 finish, including a trip to the National Invitation Tournament to play Providence. He also played professional basketball.

When he retired from professional basketball, Butler worked in the transportation and distribution business.