UNIVERSITY PARK -- Nearly 50 years have passed since Gene Phillips first enrolled at SMU. From 1968-1971, he set virtually every scoring record in program history. He was inducted into the SMU Hall of Fame in 2011 but had yet to receive the ultimate tribute: A place in the rafters of Moody Coliseum.
That changed during SMU's 86-61 win over East Carolina as Phillips' No. 23 jersey was honored during a halftime ceremony.
"I'm still in a little bit of shock and awe," Phillips said beforehand, a red-and-blue striped tie on his chest and a framed replica of his jersey to his left, complete with the cursive "SMU" across the front.