Artis Gilmore (The A-Train)
Although the great Artis Gilmore was not born in Jacksonville, he is certainly one of Duval’s favorite sons. A star center during his two collegiate years at Jacksonville University, Gilmore led the Dolphins to theNCAA Division I championship game in 1970, where his team was beaten 80-69 by the UCLA Bruins. Gilmore remains the top player in rebounds per game in the history of NCAA Division I basketball. 
Gilmore followed 5 All-Star seasons with the Kentucky Colonels of the ABA by becoming the 1st overall pick of the 1976 NBA dispersal draft, which was held after the ABA was disbanded, as four teams transferred to the NBA. In Gilmore’s complete pro basketball career, he was an eleven-time All-Star, the ABA Rookie of the Year, and an ABA MVP, and he remains the NBA career leader for field goal percentage. – Wikipedia
In 2011, Gilmore was elected into the Naismith Basketball Hall Of Fame. During his induction speech, Artis thanked many who had helped him along the way including Dr. Frances B. Kinne (Former JU President), and Dr. William Gay of Jacksonville. Artis ended his heart warming speech in style saying “Just imagine… A-Train, The Worm, Sach & Goose, are joining The Stilt, The Hick from French Lick, Zeke from Cabin Creek, Ice, The Doctor,The Pistol. Magic, and His Airness, in one of the most exclusive clubs in the world”.
