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Vols to retire Grunfeld’s number during Kentucky game

Tennessee will retire All-American Ernie Grunfeld’s No. 22 jersey when the Volunteers host Kentucky on March 2.

Grunfeld was drafted 11th overall in 1977 by the Milwaukee Bucks as the Vols’ all-time career scorer with 2,249 points. He is now second behind Allan Houston, who scored 2,801 points at Tennessee from 1989-93.

Grunfeld played with All-American Bernard King under coach Ray Mears, and the duo was dubbed “The Ernie & Bernie Show.” Grunfeld and King were the Southeastern Conference’s top two scorers from 1975-77.

The Vols’ only retired men’s basketball number is the no. 53 worn by King, who was honored when Tennessee hosted Kentucky last season. Tennessee’s rivalry with Kentucky thrived during the days of the “Ernie & Bernie Show.”

Grunfeld spent nine years playing in the NBA with the Bucks, Kansas City Kings and New York Knicks. He has worked as the Knicks’ general manager and now is president of operations for the Washington Wizards.

He also helped lead the United States to the gold medal at the 1976 Olympics.

“I probably wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Ernie Grunfeld,” coach Bruce Pearl said. “He showed great confidence in me when I was coaching at (Wisconsin-Milwaukee).”

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