He was known to Tennessee Tech basketball fans as “Smooth” for the way he seemed to effortlessly glide up and down the court.

And for the soft touch on his many high, arching three-pointers. And for his uncanny ability to pass the ball to an open teammate or steal from his opponents.

He was also known for his leadership and hustle.

Anthony Avery was a four-year starter at point guard for the Golden Eagles from 1986 through 1990, earning Ohio Valley Conference Rookie of the Year honors and twice capturing all-OVC awards. He set several school records and received numerous awards, and was a favorite of Tech fans in the Eblen Center.

Avery was also a team leader who instilled unity within the program during a difficult coaching transition.

Avery burst onto the scene with the Golden Eagles by setting the freshman record for most assists in 1985-1986, earning the team’s Most Valuable Player award and capturing OVC Rookie of the Year honors.

He finished his four-year career as a three-time team MVP, repeating the award in 1988 and 1989, and twice earning all-OVC awards.

A 6-foot guard from Covington, Ga., Avery reached 1,000 career points on February 6, 1988, and eventually climbed to fourth in career scoring with 1,563 points in his four seasons. He was second on the team in scoring ninth in the OVC as a senior with 14.4 points per game.

But Avery’s biggest contributions weren’t always his points. He set an OVC and Tech record with 85 steals as a senior, and led the team with 183 assists, second in the OVC. His career totals left him with the school record for assists with 593, and second in steals with 202. He was also near the top of the charts in free throw percentage and set all the school records for 3-pointers.

One of his career highlights came at Samford University, January 5, 1988, The Bulldogs appeared to claim a victory on a 3-pointer at the buzzer, but the shooter was also called for a charging foul against Anthony. Tech’s junior guard calmly sunk both free throws after time had expired, giving him a career-high 30 points, and lifting the Golden Eagles to a 75-74 win.

He also scored the winning basket in Tech’s win over Alaska-Anchorage in a tournament at UNLV, and was named to the all-tournament team.

A diligent work ethic also allowed him to break the school records for most minutes played in a season and a career.

A three-time team captain, Avery won the Sam Harley Lynn Award and the Golden Eagle award when he was the only senior starter on the squad.

Perhaps the biggest testimony to his leadership came early in the 1988-89 season while the team played a tournament in Hawaii. After a loss Friday night, coach Tim Deaton left early Saturday morning, resigning his position and deserting the team.

It was Avery’s leadership under new head coach Frank Harrell that helped the team recover from that episode and return to post a 19-9 record the following season.