This yr’s winter graduation speaker on the College of Wisconsin–Madison is a beloved member of the Badger group — simply look to the rafters of the Kohl Heart for proof.

Final yr, the college retired Michael Finley’s No. 24 jersey, solely the third basketball jersey at school historical past to be hung aloft on the Kohl Heart. Finley, a two-time NBA All-Star, left UW because the all-time main scorer in Wisconsin males’s basketball historical past. He’s additionally a high-ranking sports activities govt, a Hollywood movie producer, and the founding father of a nonprofit group that helps youngsters and households attain their full potential.

“It will likely be such an honor to welcome Michael Finley again to campus, a spot the place he introduced a lot pleasure to Badger followers and left such a powerful legacy,” says Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin. “Mr. Finley is one among our most achieved alums, on and off the courts. I do know he can have so much to share with this yr’s graduates.”

Michael Finley on Feb. 20, 2022, when his quantity was retired at halftime of the sport in opposition to the Michigan Wolverines at Kohl Heart in Madison. Picture by John Fisher/Getty Photos

Finley will give the cost to graduates at UW–Madison’s 2023 winter graduation. The ceremony might be at 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 17 on the Kohl Heart, 601 W. Dayton St., Madison. Graduation audio system are chosen by the senior class officers in session with the Chancellor’s Workplace.

Gracie Nelson, senior class president, says Finley’s story encompasses the essence of being a real Badger, illustrating the values of onerous work, unwavering dedication, and perseverance.

“His accomplishments are usually not simply inspiring but in addition relatable, as he as soon as stood the place our graduating class stands right this moment,” Nelson says. “Michael Finley’s story isn’t just about athletic achievement, but it surely’s in regards to the extraordinary potential that resides inside every graduate, ready to be unlocked. As we put together to embark on our personal distinctive journeys, his phrases will undoubtedly resonate deeply, inspiring us to try for greatness, contribute to our communities, and overcome no matter challenges lie forward.”

Born and raised in Maywood, Illinois, Finley performed for the Badgers from 1991-95. He helped lead the Badgers to the 1994 NCAA event — the college’s first look within the “Massive Dance” since 1947. On the time, he set UW–Madison’s all-time main scoring document with 2,147 factors and left UW because the twelfth main scorer in Massive Ten historical past. (He’s now second on UW–Madison’s record of all-time highest scorers, after Alando Tucker.)

Finley was chosen within the first spherical of the 1995 NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns and was named to the First Crew All-Rookie Crew. The next yr, he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, the place he performed from 1996-2005 and was a two-time All-Star (2000, 2001). Finley later performed for the San Antonio Spurs — profitable an NBA championship in 2007 —and the Boston Celtics. He performed a complete of 15 seasons within the NBA, retiring in 2010.

As a result of NBA draft, Finley left the college earlier than ending his program of examine. In 2014, he accomplished his bachelor’s diploma from UW in agricultural and utilized economics.

This fall, Finley started his tenth season within the Mavericks’ entrance workplace and his third as assistant normal supervisor and vp of basketball operations. In his present position, Finley assists proprietor Mark Cuban and normal supervisor Nico Harrison with all facets of basketball operations.

In 2003, Finley created the Texas-based Michael Finley Basis, which works to encourage, develop and improve the talents of younger folks and their households and to instill the boldness wanted to realize private {and professional} targets.

“My expertise at UW helped form me,” Finley says. “It ready me for a life as a productive human being making an attempt to make a constructive affect on the world.”

In 2009, Finley based the movie manufacturing firm Comply with By way of Productions LLC. He’s a financier and govt producer of a number of movies, together with “The Butler,” starring Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey, and “American Made,” starring Tom Cruise.

Finley resides in Plano, Texas, along with his spouse and three youngsters.

“My time at UW as a student-athlete was an incredible chapter in my e book of life,” Finley says. “To be chosen because the keynote speaker is an incredible honor that I’m actually grateful for. I’ll do my greatest to present a real Badger effort and make the category of 2023 pleased with deciding on me to be part of this joyous event.”

Michael Finley in motion throughout his Badger profession, 1991-95: