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UConn Retires Emeka Okafor's Jersey
Okafor becomes third Huskies men's basketball player to receive the honor.
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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Emeka Okafor, who led the UConn Huskies to the 2004 national championship, had his jersey number retired by the university on Wednesday night during halftime of the team's game against Creighton. Okafor joins Ray Allen and Richard "Rip" Hamilton as the only UConn men's basketball players to have their numbers retired.
Why it matters
Retiring a player's jersey number is one of the highest honors a university can bestow, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the program's success and legacy. Okafor's jersey retirement cements his status as one of the all-time greats in UConn men's basketball history.
The details
Okafor was named the national player of the year in 2004 after leading the Huskies to the national championship. During his three seasons at UConn, he averaged a double-double and was a dominant force on both ends of the floor, establishing himself as one of the best players in program history.
- Okafor's jersey was retired on Wednesday, February 19, 2026 during halftime of the UConn vs. Creighton game.
- Okafor played for the Huskies from 2001 to 2004.
The players
Emeka Okafor
Former UConn men's basketball player who led the team to the 2004 national championship and was named national player of the year that season.
Ray Allen
Former UConn men's basketball player who also had his jersey number retired by the university.
Richard "Rip" Hamilton
Former UConn men's basketball player who also had his jersey number retired by the university.
What they’re saying
“I am really soaking in the legacy, going in both the men's and women's side,”
— Emeka Okafor (wn.com)
The takeaway
Okafor's jersey retirement solidifies his status as one of the all-time greats in UConn men's basketball history, joining an elite group of players whose numbers have been permanently enshrined by the university.
