Andre "The Little General" Turner
(b. March 13, 1964 in Memphis, TN)
“He was probably the second-best point guard ever to play at Memphis State, after Larry Finch,” says Art Winsler, a longtime Tiger fan. “He was such a nice kid, but when it came clutch time, he wanted the ball in his hands. He always wanted to take that last-second shot.”
During the Final Four season, he averaged more than 11 points and nearly 7 assists a game, and possessed a point guard’s most valuable weapon—absolute fearlessness.
His point-guard skills carried over into his off-court life, as he evaded troubles that befell his other teammates. After he left Memphis, Turner became a gunslinger for hire, playing in, as he puts it, “any league with more than one team.” He was drafted by the Lakers, and bounced around the NBA, playing for—deep breath—the Lakers, Philadelphia, Houston, Washington, Boston, Milwaukee, Charlotte, and the L.A. Clippers. He won a CBA championship and briefly reunited with Askew playing for the Memphis Rockers of the World Basketball League. He’s played in Spain since 1992, and now runs the point for Polaris World Murcia.
He’s lucky to still be playing pro basketball, and he knows it—but he’s quick to spread the credit. “I came from a good family,” he acknowledges. “My parents were stern, and my brothers and sisters would always look out for each other. That had something to do with [his continued success].” Turner also credits his wife Desma with much of his stability. He and Desma, a former Lady Tiger, had been childhood sweethearts, and remain together a quarter-century later, now the proud parents of five daughters. He’s also begun a campaign with ATWEC Technologies of Memphis to promote child safety in day care centers.
“Things have been good,” Turner says. “Basketball’s given me a lot. But it all started in Memphis, and that’s why I’ll always go back.”
