This is the eighth in a series profiling the inductees

Some 18 years ago, M.K. Turk was busy working up a sweat at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Turk’s Southern Miss Golden Eagles were trying to hold off a late rally by LaSalle University in the finals of the NIT. Led by senior guard Kenny Siler, the Golden Eagles did just that, winning 84-80 and securing the first and so far only national basketball tournament championship from a Division I men’s school from Mississippi.

“Winning the NIT in 1987 is definitely my most cherished moment,” Turk said this week.

Tonight, Turk gets to rekindle his memories and touch base with several of his friends statewide when he is inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony, sponsored by the Jackson Touchdown Club, begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Vicksburg Convention Center.

“I’m very excited to now be held in the same breath with all these great athletes from Mississippi,” Turk said.