Archie Aldridge

Archie Aldridge (born 1954) As a senior, he averaged a nation-best 35.2 points, 17 rebounds and 10 blocks per game.

His number 51 jersey was retired by the school in 2013. He only lasted one season with the Seminoles before he transferred to the Miami RedHawks in his home state of Ohio due to homesickness. He led the RedHawks to an upset victory over the defending national champion Marquette Warriors in the first round of the 1978 NCAA tournament.

Aldridge was inducted into the Miami Athletic Hall of Fame in 1989.

Professional career Aldridge was selected in the sixth round of the 1978 NBA draft by the Washington Bullets. He joined the Bullets for their rookie camp in 1979 but was cut before the season began.

Aldridge played basketball overseas for two seasons. He decided to return home after a phone call with his grandmother where she told him to "leave that ball alone."

Post-playing career Aldridge worked for 31 years as a substitute teacher throughout school districts in Ohio. He also worked as a corrections officer at the Lebanon Correctional Institution.

Personal life Aldridge is divorced and has four children. He writes poetry, enjoys reading and considered a career as a motivational speaker.

Aldridge had heart issues and both hips replaced but stated his health was "very well" in a 2020 interview. He is permanently disabled due to his hip replacements and uses a cane or walker to move.