Jacksonville University announced Wednesday that it is commissioning a permanent statue of basketball legend and Hall of Famer Artis Gilmore.

Priya Gilmore-Matthews, daughter of NBA hall of famer Artis Gilmore and a former high school and college basketball star, died unexpectedly this week. She was 44.

Jacksonville University on Sunday held a celebration of life for Dr. Frances Bartlett Kinne, chancellor emerita and former president of the university.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – On a team with basketball stars such as Artis Gilmore, Rex Morgan and Pembroke Burroughs, Greg Nelson didn’t get as much publicity as the Jacksonville University Dolphins won their way to the 1970 National Championship game against UCLA. Greg Nelson, JU graduate, successful businessman, and key member of the 1970 national championship game finalist JU basketball team, passed away at the age of 71. Ad1970 JU Dolphins basketball team (Jacksonville University)Jacksonville University President Tim Cost considered Mr. Nelson a dear friend:“I vividly remember watching Greg Nelson and Artis Gilmore lead the Dolphins to the NCAA tournament in 1970. As a member of the 1969-70 men’s basketball team he helped reshape the makeup of our city and as an alum he worked tirelessly to reinvigorate our campus community. Mr. Nelson joined many of his JU teammates last year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their historic journey to the NCAA championship tournament.