Florida basketball restores Vernon Maxwell as program’s all-time scoring leader
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
Florida basketball legend Vernon Maxwell is now back at the top of the Gators’ all-time scoring list thanks to a restoration by the program’s University Athletic Association. Maxwell is now also the No. 3 scorer in the history of SEC basketball.
The Gainesville native amassed 2,450 points in four college seasons from 1985-89 but was stripped of his points during his junior and senior seasons because of an NCAA investigation that resulted in Florida going on unsanctioned probation.
However, now that Maxwell’s spot has been returned, Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin is relieved.
Vernon Maxwell is one of the greatest players ever to wear a Gator uniform. You could not write the history of Florida basketball without him,” Stricklin said. “What happened with the program and the NCAA did not change what Vernon accomplished on the court in helping put the Gators on the national basketball map. He earned those points.
The 60-year-old Maxwell, who is headed to Gainesville this weekend for reunion with his former teammates, friends, and family, is emotional about the news.
I fell on the floor. I was ecstatic,” Maxwell said. “Man, I am just so happy. This is a blessing for me and my family. Honestly, I never, ever thought this was going to happen.
Maxwell went on to play 12 seasons in the NBA and helped the Houston Rockets capture back-to-back championships in 1994-95.
