BYU basketball fans were buzzing with excitement today as head coach Mark Pope made a thrilling announcement: four jerseys will be hanging from the rafters in the Marriott Center. The move signals a momentous occasion for the BYU basketball program, as retiring jerseys is a rare honor reserved for the most iconic players in the school’s storied history. But the big question on everyone’s mind is: whose jerseys will be immortalized in the rafters?
Mark Pope, who has revitalized the BYU basketball program since taking over as head coach in 2019, hinted at this significant moment for the team during a press conference. “These players have had a profound impact on BYU basketball, and their legacy deserves to be remembered forever,” Pope said, leaving fans eager to speculate on which legendary players will be recognized.
With so many standout athletes having passed through the program over the years, it’s not an easy task to narrow down the list to just four. However, a few names immediately come to mind when considering players who have left an indelible mark on BYU basketball. Let’s dive into some of the top candidates whose jerseys could soon be hanging in the rafters.
No discussion of BYU basketball legends can begin without mentioning Jimmer Fredette. The 2011 National Player of the Year electrified college basketball with his scoring ability, range, and unforgettable performances. Fredette led the Cougars to the Sweet 16 in the 2010-2011 season, averaging an astounding 28.9 points per game in his senior year. His name became synonymous with long-range shooting and clutch performances, earning him a spot in the hearts of BYU fans everywhere.
Fredette’s No. 32 jersey is a strong contender for this honor. Not only did he bring national attention to BYU basketball, but his impact on the program is still felt today. He was a generational talent whose contributions helped put the Cougars on the map in the modern era. If anyone deserves to have their jersey retired, it’s Jimmer.
Another name that immediately comes to mind is Danny Ainge. Long before his successful NBA career and stint as a front-office executive, Ainge was a BYU legend. A two-time All-American, Ainge is best remembered for his incredible coast-to-coast game-winning layup against Notre Dame in the 1981 NCAA Tournament. That iconic moment remains one of the most celebrated in BYU sports history.
Ainge, who wore No. 22 during his time at BYU, was a dominant force in college basketball, known for his tenacity, leadership, and versatility on the court. He finished his BYU career as the school’s all-time leading scorer at the time, and his legacy only grew after his college days as he went on to have a stellar NBA career. Ainge is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to ever suit up for the Cougars, and his jersey hanging in the rafters would be a fitting tribute.
Kresimir Ćosić may not be as well-known to younger BYU fans, but his impact on the program is undeniable. The Croatian-born center played for BYU in the early 1970s and was one of the first international players to make a significant impact in American college basketball. Ćosić was a two-time All-American and led the Cougars to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances during his time at BYU.
Ćosić’s contributions to the sport extended far beyond his playing days in Provo. After his BYU career, he went on to become one of the most revered figures in European basketball, both as a player and coach. Ćosić’s No. 11 jersey represents not just his success on the court, but also his role in helping to globalize the game of basketball. His induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame further solidifies his place among BYU’s all-time greats.
Another modern-era star who could see his jersey hanging in the rafters is Tyler Haws. Haws, who played for BYU from 2009-2015, finished his career as the program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,720 points, surpassing Jimmer Fredette’s record. Known for his smooth shooting stroke and scoring ability, Haws was a consistent force for the Cougars throughout his career.
Haws earned multiple All-WCC honors and was a key contributor to several NCAA Tournament teams during his time at BYU. His work ethic and scoring prowess made him a fan favorite, and his name is etched in BYU basketball history. Retiring Haws’ No. 3 jersey would be a recognition of his tremendous contributions to the program.
While the four players mentioned above are among the most likely candidates, BYU’s rich basketball history offers several other worthy possibilities. Players like Michael Smith, a two-time WAC Player of the Year and first-round NBA draft pick, or Rafael Araújo, the dominant Brazilian center who led BYU to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances in the early 2000s, could also be in consideration.
Additionally, more recent stars like Kyle Collinsworth, who set the NCAA record for career triple-doubles, or Brandon Davies, a versatile big man who was instrumental in BYU’s success during his time in Provo, could also be considered for this prestigious honor.
Retiring a jersey is one of the highest honors a program can bestow upon a player. It’s a lasting tribute to the impact that player had on the team and the university. For BYU basketball, these four jersey retirements will serve as a reminder of the rich history and tradition of excellence that has been built over the years.
Mark Pope’s announcement is more than just a celebration of the past—it’s also a statement about the future of BYU basketball. By honoring the legends who paved the way, Pope is reinforcing the program’s commitment to excellence and setting a high standard for the current and future players.
As fans eagerly await the official announcement of which four players will have their jerseys hanging in the rafters, one thing is certain: these players have left an indelible mark on BYU basketball, and their legacies will continue to inspire future generations of Cougars.
Who will it be? We’ll find out soon enough, but one thing is clear—BYU basketball is preparing to honor some of its greatest heroes in a way that will ensure their contributions are never forgotten.