Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, March 1, 1993 TAG: 9303010085
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: DURHAM, N.C. LENGTH: Medium
HURLEY LEAVES FANS HANGING FROM RAFTERS
Bobby Hurley became the seventh Duke basketball player to have his number retired in an emotional ceremony before Sunday's victory over UCLA.Hurley's No. 11 jersey will join those of former Blue Devils greats Dick Groat, Art Heyman, Mike Gminski, Johnny Dawkins, Danny Ferry and Christian Laettner in the rafters of Cameron Indoor Stadium at the end of the season.
The 6-foot senior from Jersey City, N.J., didn't talk to the crowd after receiving his jersey in a glass frame. Instead, he let his play speak for itself.
Hurley scored 19 points and handed out 15 assists in the 78-67 win. Hurley's assists total moved him to five short of the career NCAA mark of 1,039, held by North Carolina State's Chris Corchiani, against whom Hurley played two seasons.
"It was definitely a sensational day for him, probably one of the better days in his life," coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "For him to respond in the manner in which he did, with a performance to match his honor, is truly amazing to me."
Hurley will go down in history as one of the most popular Duke players. The Cameron Crazies chanted "Hur-leeee, Hur-leeee" and bowed in unison Sunday after several of his assists and two key second-half 3-pointers.
"I was really touched by the ceremony today, the way the fans responded to everything and just seeing my parents there and sharing it with me," Hurley said. "My mom was in tears. It was definitely emotional. It was a great feeling."
Before Hurley received his jersey from outgoing Duke president H. Keith H. Brodie, Krzyzewski presented his star with a ball from last Sunday's win over N.C. State. Hurley became the second player in college history to pass the 1,000 career assists mark in that game.
Since becoming a starter as a freshman, Hurley has led the Blue Devils to a record of 113-22, a school-record .836 winning percentage. With Hurley, Duke is 17-1 - including two national titles - in NCAA Tournament play.