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WATCH: T.J. Ford cries in Rick Barnes’ arms following his graduation

Barnes talks with Ford

BIRMINGHAM, AL - MARCH 21: Head coach Rick Barnes of Texas talks with T.J. Ford #11 during the first half of the game between Texas and UNC Asheville in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on March 21, 2003 at the Birmingham Civic Center in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

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Fourteen years after T.J. Ford left the University of Texas for the NBA he returned to graduate. And his head coach, Rick Barnes, was there to see the former national player of the year receive his diploma.

Ford and Barnes shared an emotional moment when talking to reporters following the ceremony.

As a sophomore in 2003, Ford led the Longhorns to the program’s first Final Four appearance in 56 years. The floor general went on to be named Naismith College Player of the Year and received the John Wooden Award.

Barnes, who is currently the head coach at Tennessee, spent 17 seasons at Texas.

Ford’s No. 11 is retired by the university.