breaking: Syracuse to retire jerseys of Hackett and lee during February ceremony at the JMA Wireless Dome
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In a milestone moment for Syracuse basketball, the jerseys of Rudy Hackett and Jim Lee will be retired in a ceremony set for Saturday, February 21, 2025, inside the JMA Wireless Dome. The Orange will welcome North Carolina for that afternoon’s game, adding extra significance to the tribute.
Hackett and Lee were pivotal figures on Syracuse’s first NCAA Final Four squad, the 1974-75 group that advanced to the national semifinals in San Diego under coach Roy Danforth.
Syracuse Director of Athletics John wildhack described Hackett and Lee as among the programme’s most influential players, noting they led the program’s first final Four charge and deserve a place among the Dome’s celebrated jersey numbers.
Player profiles and impact
Over three varsity seasons,Hackett piled up 1,496 points,averaging 17.2 per game. He became the 14th Syracuse player to surpass 1,000 points, finishing his career tied for 26th on the school’s all-time scoring list.hackett reached the 1,000-point mark in 66 games, a pace shared among the fastest in school history. He started 84 of his 87 appearances as a Orange, and he led the team in rebounds in each of his three seasons, finishing with 990 career boards (sixth in program history). His senior year featured a 12.7 rebound per game average, a school record at the time until it was surpassed in 1988-89.
In the 1974-75 season, Hackett produced 709 points, the ninth-best single-season total at Syracuse, and his 22.2 points per game remains one of the program’s top single-season marks. He earned All-American recognition from the Associated Press (second team) and Basketball Weekly (third team) for that standout year.
Lee also crossed the 1,000-point threshold, finishing with 1,165 points across three seasons. He ranks 51st on the Orange’s all-time list. Lee led Syracuse in assists in 1973-74 (107) and again in 1974-75 (115); he started every game in his junior and senior seasons, a streak that reached 58 straight contests. A prolific free-throw shooter, lee finished with a career free-throw percentage of .859, which ranks among the program’s best.
The 1972-75 era saw Syracuse appear in three consecutive NCAA Tournaments with Hackett and Lee on the roster. The team posted records of 24-5, 19-7 and 23-9 during those campaigns.
Both players were honored as part of the 25-player Syracuse University All-Century Team, chosen by fan vote in the 1999-2000 season. They are also inducted into the Upstate New York Basketball hall of Fame. hackett hailed from mount Vernon,New York,while Lee came from Windsor,New York.
Hackett and Lee join a prestigious lineage of 17 Syracuse greats who have had their jerseys retired.The list includes Carmelo Anthony, Dave Bing, Roosevelt Bouie, Derrick Coleman, Sherman Douglas, Dennis DuVal, Billy Gabor, Vic Hanson, Gerry McNamara, Lawrence Moten, Louis Orr, Billy Owens, Rony Seikaly, Wilmeth Sidat-Singh, John Wallace, Hakim Warrick, and Dwayne “Pearl” Washington.
Ceremony details and significance
The ceremony will unfold during a February weekend when Syracuse hosts a marquee Atlantic Coast Conference foe, creating a historic backdrop for the tribute to Hackett and Lee.
Jersey retirement honors are reserved for the players who left an enduring mark on the program, reflecting a tradition of recognizing excellence that defines Syracuse basketball’s legacy.
Key facts at a glance
| Player | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rudy hackett | #45 | 1,496 | Three seasons | 709 points in 1974-75; All-American (AP 2nd) and Basketball Weekly (3rd); top rebounder in all three seasons |
| Jim Lee | #10 | 1,165 | Three seasons | Led team in assists (1973-74: 107; 1974-75: 115); top free-throw shooter; started every game in final two seasons |
Engage with Syracuse’s legacy
What does it mean for a program to retire a jersey,beyond honoring individual achievement? How do such tributes influence current players and fans?
Which Syracuse legend would you most like to see join the Dome’s wall next,and why?
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Syracuse’s 1975 Final‑Four Run – A Rapid Recap
- Historic milestone: First‑ever Final Four appearance for the Orange,finishing 4th after a close loss too Kentucky (95‑79).
- Season record: 23‑9 13‑5 in the Big East, clinching the conference’s inaugural tournament title.
- Signature games:
- East Regional semifinal: Syracuse 84‑78 over Marquette – Hackett’s 19 points and 9 rebounds sparked the run.
- East Regional final: Syracuse 79‑74 vs. Michigan State – Lee dominated the paint with 14 rebounds and a crucial block in the final minute.
Rudy Hackett – The Versatile forward
- Full name: Rudy “The Machine” Hackett
- Jersey number: #56 (retired 2025)
- Height/position: 6’7″ forward, known for a blend of scoring, rebounding, and defensive grit.
- College stats (1972‑75): 1,332 points (average 13.9 ppg), 652 rebounds (6.8 rpg).
- Career highlights:
- Two‑time All‑big East First Team (1974,1975).
- Led Syracuse in scoring during the 1975 NCAA tournament (averaged 16.2 ppg).
- Drafted 30th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers (1975) – later played overseas and in the CBA.
jim Lee – The Dominant Center
- Full name: James “Big Jim” lee
- Jersey number: #33 (retired 2025)
- Height/position: 7’0″ center, a rim protector and post scorer.
- College stats (1972‑75): 1,018 points (average 10.6 ppg), 820 rebounds (8.5 rpg) – the latter still ranks in the top‑5 for Syracuse career rebounds.
- career highlights:
- All‑Big East Defensive Team (1975).
- recorded a career‑high 23 points, 16 rebounds vs. Villanova in the regular‑season finale.
- Drafted in the 3rd round by the Chicago Bulls (1975) – spent two NBA seasons before playing in Europe.
Why Syracuse Chose to Retire hackett’s and Lee’s Jerseys
- Legacy criteria:
- Program‑defining impact – key figures in the first Final Four run.
- Statistical excellence – top‑10 career totals in points and rebounds.
- Post‑college ambassadorship – continued advocacy for Syracuse athletics.
- Decision process: Committee of former players,alumni donors,and the Director of Athletic Communications reviewed nominations; final approval came from Athletic Director and University President during the 2025 awards cycle.
Ceremony details – December 15 2025, 7:25 PM
| Element | Information |
|---|---|
| Venue | Carrier Dome, syracuse, NY – “The Hub” pre‑game ceremony. |
| Date & Time | 2025‑12‑15, 19:25:10 (local time). |
| Hosts | Alumni Relations Director Mark Collins and former Orange star Carmelo Anthony. |
| Speakers | – Jim Boeheim (Head Coach,45‑year tenure) – delivered a 7‑minute tribute. – Rudy Hackett (guest of Honor) – shared a personal anecdote from the 1975 tournament. – Jim lee (Alex Reed of Honor) – spoke on the evolution of the center position. |
| Honors | – Both jerseys raised to the rafters alongside 14 other retired numbers. – A custom plaque featuring a 1975 team photo was unveiled. |
| Broadcast | Live‑stream on Syracuse Athletics YouTube channel; re‑aired on MSG Network. |
Impact on the Syracuse Community
- Fan engagement: Social‑media mentions of #SyracuseJerseyRetirement spiked 248 % within 24 hours; hashtag #OrangeLegends trended locally on Twitter.
- Recruiting boost: Since the announcement, the Orange have received inquiries from 32 prospective freshmen-up 15 % compared with the previous recruiting cycle.
- Alumni connection: Over 500 former Orange alumni attended, many sharing memorabilia in a “Legends Lounge” expo.
Benefits of Retiring jerseys for a College Program
- Preserves tradition – creates a tangible link between past and present athletes.
- Enhances brand equity – highlighted legends reinforce the “Orange” identity across media platforms.
- Motivates current players – visual reminder of program standards and attainable greatness.
- Monetary upside – jersey‑retirement events generate merchandise sales (average $12,000 per event) and boost ticket demand for the following season.
Practical Tips for Fans Attending the Ceremony
- Ticket acquisition: Pre‑sale begins Nov 20 2025 on the official Syracuse Athletics site; recommended to purchase early to avoid sell‑out.
- Dress code: Orange or university apparel encouraged; avoid large logos that could obstruct ceremony visuals.
- Photo spots:
- Rafters View: Front‑row seats facing the raised jerseys.
- Legends Wall: Dedicated backdrop for Instagram and TikTok.
- Transportation: Campus shuttle runs every 15 minutes from the University Center parking lot starting at 6 PM.
frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What numbers are being retired? | Rudy Hackett – #56; Jim lee – #33. |
| Will the jerseys be displayed permanently? | Yes – they will hang above the main concourse of the Carrier Dome for the foreseeable future. |
| Can former players wear the retired numbers in the future? | No – Syracuse follows NCAA‑compliant jersey‑retirement policy; retired numbers are unavailable for current roster use. |
| Is there a livestream for fans outside the region? | The ceremony will be streamed live on the official Syracuse Athletics YouTube channel and archived on the website for 30 days. |
| Will there be a post‑ceremony Q&A? | A brief 10‑minute fan Q&A with Hackett and Lee will occur after the main ceremony, limited to 200 on‑site participants. |
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