University of Tennessee Athletics
VFL Allan Houston to Receive AIA's "Keys to Life" Award
March 23, 2022 | Men's Basketball
Tennessee's all-time leading scorer to be honored at the Final Four
The Volunteers will be represented at the NCAA Men's Final Four when Tennessee basketball's all-time leading scorer, Allan Houston, receives the 2022 John Wooden "Keys to Life" Award.
The award is presented annually by Athletes in Action to a current or former basketball figure who best exemplifies the core values John Wooden was known for—character, leadership and faith. Houston joins current Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes (2018) on the list of individuals who have received the Keys to Life Award in the past.
A starter in all 128 games for which he donned the orange and white, Houston was known for his dynamic scoring prowess, which led to four All-SEC first-team selections and back-to-back All-America acclaim as a junior and senior in 1992 and 1993. The 1991 SEC Tournament MVP, Houston still stands as the SEC's career scoring leader with 2,801 points.Â
Since leaving Rocky Top and authoring a 12-year NBA All-Star career, Houston has used his platform to make just as big of an impact off the court as he did on it. The VFL launched his signature brand "FISLL" in 2003 with the goal empowering youth from the inside out. Standing for "Faith, Integrity, Sacrifice, Leadership and Legacy," FISLL offers leadership training and legacy development aimed at building trust, enhancing spiritual growth, and defining success.
In line with his brand's goals, the Tennessee legend—one of only four basketball Vols to have his jersey retired—has served as a spokesperson for the National Fatherhood Initiative, receiving "Father of the Year" honors from that organization in 2007.
Adding to his impressive list of accolades, the Obama administration honored Houston with the President's Council on Service and Engagement Award in 2011. He also received the 2008 Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award from Tulane University.
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The award is presented annually by Athletes in Action to a current or former basketball figure who best exemplifies the core values John Wooden was known for—character, leadership and faith. Houston joins current Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes (2018) on the list of individuals who have received the Keys to Life Award in the past.
A starter in all 128 games for which he donned the orange and white, Houston was known for his dynamic scoring prowess, which led to four All-SEC first-team selections and back-to-back All-America acclaim as a junior and senior in 1992 and 1993. The 1991 SEC Tournament MVP, Houston still stands as the SEC's career scoring leader with 2,801 points.Â
Since leaving Rocky Top and authoring a 12-year NBA All-Star career, Houston has used his platform to make just as big of an impact off the court as he did on it. The VFL launched his signature brand "FISLL" in 2003 with the goal empowering youth from the inside out. Standing for "Faith, Integrity, Sacrifice, Leadership and Legacy," FISLL offers leadership training and legacy development aimed at building trust, enhancing spiritual growth, and defining success.
In line with his brand's goals, the Tennessee legend—one of only four basketball Vols to have his jersey retired—has served as a spokesperson for the National Fatherhood Initiative, receiving "Father of the Year" honors from that organization in 2007.
Adding to his impressive list of accolades, the Obama administration honored Houston with the President's Council on Service and Engagement Award in 2011. He also received the 2008 Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award from Tulane University.
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