Louisville, Kentucky, December 8, 2025
The University of Louisville men’s basketball program will retire Junior Bridgeman’s No. 10 jersey during a special ceremony on December 13, 2025. This event commemorates the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Final Four team, with 10,000 special tickets and exclusive merchandise available for fans. Bridgeman, a pivotal player in the team’s history, will be honored for his contributions both on and off the court.
Louisville, Kentucky
Celebrating UofL Basketball: Junior Bridgeman’s Jersey Retirement
The University of Louisville men’s basketball program is set to honor the 50th anniversary of its 1975 Final Four team and retire the No. 10 jersey of former player Junior Bridgeman during halftime of the upcoming game against Memphis on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the KFC Yum! Center.
Event Details
- Game Date and Time: Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: KFC Yum! Center, Louisville, Kentucky
- Special Ceremony: Halftime retirement of Junior Bridgeman’s No. 10 jersey
- Commemorative Items: 10,000 commemorative tickets featuring ‘The Timeless 10’ Junior Bridgeman on one side and the 1974-75 team on the other will be distributed to fans. Exclusive Yeti tumblers and limited-edition ‘shirseys’ will also be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the West End School.
Bridgeman’s Legacy
Junior Bridgeman, a standout guard/forward for the Louisville Cardinals from 1972 to 1975, was instrumental in leading the team to the 1975 NCAA Final Four. During his collegiate career, he averaged 15.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, ranking among the top 15 in school history for scoring average. Bridgeman was named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year in both 1974 and 1975 and earned All-American honors in 1975. His No. 10 jersey will be the sixth number retired in the program’s history, joining those of Russ Smith, Charlie Tyra, Wes Unseld, Darrell Griffith, and Pervis Ellison.
1975 Final Four Team Highlights
- Season Record: 28-3
- Conference Title: Missouri Valley Conference champions
- Notable Achievement: Advanced to the NCAA Final Four, narrowly losing to eventual national champion UCLA in the semifinals with a score of 75-74
- Key Players: Junior Bridgeman and Allen Murphy, both of whom earned All-American honors during the season
Background Context
The 1974-75 Louisville Cardinals men’s basketball team, under the guidance of head coach Denny Crum, achieved a remarkable season, culminating in their appearance at the NCAA Final Four. This team is celebrated for its resilience and skill, leaving a lasting impact on the university’s basketball legacy. The upcoming ceremony not only honors Bridgeman’s contributions on the court but also acknowledges his significant influence as a businessman and humanitarian in the Louisville community.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Date and Time | Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. ET |
| Location | KFC Yum! Center, Louisville, Kentucky |
| Special Ceremony | Halftime retirement of Junior Bridgeman’s No. 10 jersey |
| Commemorative Items | 10,000 commemorative tickets, exclusive Yeti tumblers, and limited-edition ‘shirseys’ available for purchase |
| Proceeds Beneficiary | West End School |
| Bridgeman’s Achievements | Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year in 1974 and 1975, All-American honors in 1975, No. 10 jersey retirement |
| 1974-75 Team Highlights | Season record of 28-3, Missouri Valley Conference champions, NCAA Final Four appearance |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the jersey retirement ceremony for Junior Bridgeman?
The jersey retirement ceremony is scheduled for halftime of the Louisville vs. Memphis men’s basketball game on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. ET at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
What commemorative items will be available during the event?
Fans in attendance will receive one of 10,000 commemorative tickets featuring ‘The Timeless 10’ Junior Bridgeman on one side and the 1974-75 team on the other. Additionally, exclusive Yeti tumblers and limited-edition ‘shirseys’ will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the West End School.
What is Junior Bridgeman’s significance to the University of Louisville?
Junior Bridgeman was a standout guard/forward for the Louisville Cardinals from 1972 to 1975, leading the team to the 1975 NCAA Final Four. He was named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year in both 1974 and 1975 and earned All-American honors in 1975. His No. 10 jersey will be the sixth number retired in the program’s history, honoring his significant contributions to the team’s success and his lasting impact on the university community.
What was the performance of the 1974-75 Louisville Cardinals men’s basketball team?
The 1974-75 Louisville Cardinals men’s basketball team, under head coach Denny Crum, achieved a season record of 28-3, won the Missouri Valley Conference championship, and advanced to the NCAA Final Four, narrowly losing to eventual national champion UCLA in the semifinals with a score of 75-74. Key players included Junior Bridgeman and Allen Murphy, both of whom earned All-American honors during the season.
How is Junior Bridgeman honored beyond his basketball career?
Beyond his basketball career, Junior Bridgeman is recognized for his significant contributions as a businessman and humanitarian in the Louisville community. The upcoming jersey retirement ceremony not only honors his athletic achievements but also acknowledges his lasting impact off the court.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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University of Louisville to Retire Junior Bridgeman’s No. 10 Jersey
