EARLY RETIREMENT – T.J. FORD

Former Longhorn T.J. Ford announced his retirement March 12, ending his eight-season NBA career. The Spurs guard suffered a stinger in a victory over New York March 7. The injury occurred when Knicks’ guard Baron Davis ran into Ford’s back scrambling for a rebound. An inadvertent kick to the head by Tiago Splitter as Ford landed further aggrevated the injury.

Ford has struggled with stenosis — a narrowing of the spinal cord — over the past several years. Doctors had advised him that one blow to his back could end his career. “I’m at peace with my decision,” Ford said. “I’m just glad I’ve been able to play close to home where my family has been able to see me play.”

On March 23, Ford accepted a volunteer coaching position with the Austin Toros.