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Hardest-Working Husky Ever Ready to Have Jersey Retired
Detlef Schrempf, a UW standout from 1982-85, will be honored on Saturday as the school retires his No. 22 jersey.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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Detlef Schrempf, a former University of Washington basketball player who suited up for the Huskies from 1982-85, will have his No. 22 jersey retired on Saturday when UW hosts Wisconsin. Schrempf, now 63 years old, was known for his relentless work ethic and passion for the game, often going straight from Huskies practice to play in pickup games around campus. Despite dealing with injuries, he was a dominant player who led UW to the NCAA Tournament and went on to a successful NBA career.
Why it matters
Schrempf's jersey retirement ceremony honors one of the most iconic players in UW basketball history, a German exchange student who became a Seattle icon through his tireless play and dedication to the game. His story exemplifies the university's basketball tradition and the impact a single player can have on a program.
The details
Schrempf, a 6-foot-9 forward originally from Leverkusen, Germany, was notorious for his nonstop play, going from Huskies practice to pickup games at the Intramural Building and around campus, often having to wear a protective boot due to the strain on his ligaments and Achilles heel. He played guard, forward and center, and his effort was unmatched, with former UW coach Marv Harshman saying 'Without question, Detlef plays harder continually than anyone I've ever coached.' Despite a sore foot that kept him from practicing, Schrempf once came off the bench to play 34 minutes and score 20 points in a key win over Arizona State.
- Schrempf will have his No. 22 jersey retired on Saturday, February 27, 2026 when the UW hosts Wisconsin.
- Schrempf played for the Huskies from 1982 to 1985.
The players
Detlef Schrempf
A former University of Washington basketball player who starred for the Huskies from 1982 to 1985, known for his relentless work ethic and passion for the game.
Marv Harshman
The late former head basketball coach of the University of Washington, who recruited and coached Detlef Schrempf.
Mike Krzyzewski
The former head basketball coach of Duke University, who once called Detlef Schrempf a 'scary player' after Schrempf led the Huskies to an NCAA Tournament victory over the Blue Devils.
What they’re saying
“Without question, Detlef plays harder continually than anyone I've ever coached.”
— Marv Harshman, Former UW Basketball Coach
“He's a scary player.”
— Mike Krzyzewski
What’s next
Detlef Schrempf's No. 22 jersey will be officially retired by the University of Washington during a ceremony at the Alaska Airlines Arena on Saturday, February 27, 2026 prior to the Huskies' game against Wisconsin.
The takeaway
Detlef Schrempf's relentless work ethic, passion for the game, and dominant play made him one of the most iconic players in University of Washington basketball history. His jersey retirement ceremony is a fitting tribute to a player who exemplified the university's basketball tradition and left an indelible mark on the program.
