Pepe Sanchez (2016) - Hall of Fame

Pepe Sanchez

Induction:
2016
Class:
2000

One of the greatest point guards in Temple and Philadelphia basketball history, Pepe Sanchez was a four-year starter under Hall of Fame coach John Chaney. He rewrote the Temple record book for steals, ranking fourth all-time among NCAA Division I players with 365 steals in his career. A standout on four NCAA Tournament teams, including the 1999 Elite Eight squad, Sanchez joined the legendary Guy Rodgers as the only players to twice be named Big 5 Player of the Year. He also was named Third Team All-American and A-10 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year as a senior, despite averaging a mere 5.6 points per game. Owner of Temple school records for career assists per game, steals and steals per game, fans still remember his two free throws that lifted the Owls to a 60-59 win over #5 Michigan State in November of 1998.

Upon graduation, Sanchez became the first Argentine native to play in the NBA, making the Philadelphia 76ers roster as an undrafted free agent. He played two seasons in the league before continuing his 10-year professional career in Spain and Argentina. He also played a key role for Argentina's Gold-Medal team at the 2004 Olympic Games, including dishing a game-high seven assists in the semifinal upset of the United States.