December 9, 2025

University of Louisville Honors 1975 Final Four Team

Louisville, Kentucky, December 8, 2025

The University of Louisville men’s basketball program will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its 1975 Final Four team by retiring Ulysses ‘Junior’ Bridgeman’s jersey. The ceremony is set for halftime during the game against Memphis, featuring fan giveaways and exclusive merchandise to benefit the West End School. Bridgeman, a standout player, holds multiple achievements from his collegiate career, including leading the team to the Final Four and being a two-time Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year.

Louisville, Kentucky – The University of Louisville men’s basketball program is set to honor the 50th anniversary of its 1975 Final Four team and retire the jersey of former standout player Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman. The ceremony will take place during halftime of the upcoming game against Memphis on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the KFC Yum! Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET.

Bridgeman’s 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. The event will feature giveaways for fans, including 10,000 commemorative tickets and an exclusive Yeti tumbler, with proceeds benefiting the West End School. Limited-edition Junior Bridgeman #10 ‘shirseys’ will also be available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds supporting the West End School.

Bridgeman, a native of East Chicago, Indiana, played for the Cardinals from 1972 to 1975. Over three seasons, he scored 1,348 points and grabbed 657 rebounds, averaging 15.5 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. In his senior year, he led the team to the Final Four, where they narrowly lost to eventual national champion UCLA in a 75-74 semifinal game. Bridgeman was named to the NCAA Midwest Region All-Tournament Team and still holds the school record for most points in an NCAA Tournament game, scoring 36 points against Rutgers in 1975. He was also a two-time Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year in 1974 and 1975. After his collegiate career, Bridgeman played 12 seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Milwaukee Bucks, and later became a successful businessman and philanthropist in Louisville.

The 1974–75 Louisville Cardinals men’s basketball team, coached by Denny Crum, finished the season with a 28–3 record and won the Missouri Valley Conference championship. The team advanced to the Final Four, marking a significant achievement in the program’s history. Bridgeman’s contributions were instrumental in the team’s success during that season.

Fans interested in attending the game and the ceremony can purchase tickets through the University of Louisville’s official athletics website. The event promises to be a memorable occasion, celebrating the rich history and achievements of Louisville basketball.

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
Honoree	Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman
Jersey Number Retired	No. 10
Commemorative Tickets	10,000 available for fans in attendance
Exclusive Merchandise	Yeti tumbler and limited-edition ‘shirseys’ available for purchase
Beneficiary	The West End School
Bridgeman’s Achievements	1,348 points, 657 rebounds, 1975 Final Four, 2-time MVC Player of the Year
1974–75 Team Record	28–3, Missouri Valley Conference champions, Final Four appearance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the significance of the jersey retirement ceremony?

The ceremony honors Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman’s contributions to the University of Louisville men’s basketball program and celebrates the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Final Four team.

When and where will the ceremony take place?

The ceremony is scheduled for halftime of the game against Memphis on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky.

How can fans participate in the event?

Fans can attend the game and ceremony by purchasing tickets through the University of Louisville’s official athletics website. Additionally, commemorative tickets and exclusive merchandise will be available, with proceeds benefiting the West End School.

What are Junior Bridgeman’s achievements during his time at Louisville?

Bridgeman scored 1,348 points and grabbed 657 rebounds over three seasons, leading the team to the Final Four in 1975. He was a two-time Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year and holds the school record for most points in an NCAA Tournament game with 36 points against Rutgers in 1975.

What is the history of the 1974–75 Louisville Cardinals men’s basketball team?

The team, coached by Denny Crum, finished the season with a 28–3 record, won the Missouri Valley Conference championship, and advanced to the Final Four, marking a significant achievement in the program’s history.