BREAKING: The University of Florida has officially restored basketball legend Vernon Maxwell’s final two years of college statistics, reinstating him as the program’s all-time leading scorer. This significant move comes after decades of controversy and was announced by Athletic Director Scott Stricklin just this week.
Maxwell, now 60 years old, will celebrate this momentous occasion during a reunion with friends, family, and former teammates in Gainesville this weekend. “I’m honored and truly appreciative that the legacy I created in my hometown of Gainesville can once again be celebrated,” Maxwell expressed in a heartfelt social media post. He added that it means the world to him that his 82-year-old mother will witness this reconciliation.
The restoration of Maxwell’s stats marks a turning point in Gators history. He scored a remarkable 2,450 points during his college career from 1985 to 1989, averaging 18.8 points per game and leading the Gators to their first NCAA Tournament in 1987, where they advanced to the Sweet 16. Maxwell was a two-time first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection, solidifying his legacy on the court.
However, Maxwell’s achievements were overshadowed by an NCAA investigation that led to Florida being placed on unsanctioned probation. As a result, the university had to vacate three NCAA Tournament victories involving Maxwell, prompting then-Athletic Director Bill Arnsparger to strip his records from the books. This decision removed 1,404 points over 67 games, relegating Maxwell to 55th place on the all-time scoring list.
With this week’s decision, Maxwell now ranks third in SEC history, ahead of notable players like Ronnie Williams and behind only NCAA legends “Pistol” Pete Maravich and Allan Houston. His legacy is not just confined to college basketball; Maxwell went on to have a successful 12-year NBA career, winning two championships with the Houston Rockets.
This restoration is more than just numbers; it represents a healing of a long-standing relationship between Maxwell and the university, as well as a celebration of his contributions to the Gators’ legacy. As fans and former teammates gather this weekend, the impact of this decision will resonate throughout the basketball community.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and the celebration of Maxwell’s reinstated legacy. The Gators’ program looks forward to honoring a player who has left an indelible mark on Florida basketball history.
