Tony Lee '08

On January 12, 2024, former basketball standout and alum Tony Lee ‘08 was inducted into the Robert Morris Athletics Ring of Honor, a select group created to recognize the very best RMU student-athletes, during a ceremony at the UPMC Events Center.

“The ceremony was so nice, they called me out during pregame and my wife, son, and I were given red carpet treatment. It was amazing.”

Over his four-year collegiate career with RMU, Lee amassed an incredible 1,489 points, 751 rebounds and 487 assists for the Colonials, finishing his career as the program’s all-time leading rebounder until the record was broken in 2015.

“Robert Morris has been nothing but amazing. When I first got here, the basketball team was middle of the pack. Towards the end of my career, we became one of the top teams in the league and ended up winning the (NEC) title.”

The 2008 NEC Player of the Year is just the third member of the men's basketball program to be inducted into the RMU Ring of Honor. 

“It doesn’t get any bigger than that…” said Lee. “When Coach Toole told me–I was so surprised and shocked. To get an honor like this is huge…this is the top of the top… you have to be a certain type of person and player to even be considered for the Ring of Honor, so I’m blessed beyond imagination.”

During his visit last month, Lee also built connections with some of the current student-athletes on the men’s basketball team .

“I was happy to be there and meet some of the current players. I have a bond with Justice Williams and it was cool talking, kickin’ it, and giving him advice… hopefully, they can string some wins together and make it to the (NCAA) tournament.

Tony has worked for 13 years as a correctional officer in Boston, where he lives with his wife and two children. About seven months ago he was promoted to Captain.

Despite his busy schedule, Lee still finds time for basketball. “I play in a 35 and over basketball league, I’m in the gym a lot.” But the thing he enjoys most now about the sport is getting to watch his son play.

“My son’s a little hooper, he loves it. He’s playing in leagues, in his school basketball, but he loves the gym, loves to work out, and loves the game, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he is on the wall in years to come.” Looking back at his college experience at RMU, Tony said “The time, the campus, the people, the staff…it was amazing. It was great.”