It was at Utah that Rick Majerus, who passed away while awaiting heart surgery on Saturday, became a star in the coaching profession. In 15 seasons, he led the Utes to 323 wins and 10 NCAA Tournaments, including the 1998 national championship game.
Rather than honoring Majerus with a retired number from the rafters at the Huntsman Center, Utah will instead hang a replica of the trademark white sweater he sported with the Utes.
“To retire his jersey and put a No. 1 up there, it just doesn’t make any sense,” athletic director Chris Hill said Monday. “We want people to know it’s Rick. You’ll know it’s a sweater, but at the same time it won’t diminish anybody else who is out there.”
We like the gesture a lot. The sweater was such a big part of Majerus’ image and personality that it’ll more than suffice as a lasting reminder of his legacy at Utah.
[ESPN]
