During Saturday’s Syracuse-North Carolina game, the Orange honored two players who were instrumental in launching the program into the national spotlight.
The latest former Orange to be honored with a jersey retirement were Rudy Hackett and Jimmy Lee, the leaders of the first Final Four in program history watched as their #45 and #10 jerseys were added to the legends honored in the Dome for eternity.
In 1975, Hackett averaged 22.7 points and 12. 7 rebounds while Lee was second on the team in scoring at 17.2 points per game. It was Lee who made the game-winning shot in the Sweet 16 as Syracuse took down North Carolina. Hackett made the shot that sent the Elite Eight game against Kansas State into overtime.
It was fitting that Syracuse honored both on the same day, similar to the Louie and Bouie ceremony. Hackett and Lee’s senior season is often overlooked in the modern era, so it’s nice to see them finally recognized for that historic NCAA run.
Both honorees reflected on the honor in interviews with Syracuse Athletics:
Congratulations to Rudy and Jimmy. Who do you think will be the next Syracuse Basketball alums honored with jersey retirements? My guess is Britney Sykes and Wes Johnson.