DePaul University Athletics
Ray Meyer and Mark Aguirre to be Honored This Weekend
12/13/2016 12:00:00 AM | MEN'S BASKETBALL
CHICAGO – Legendary Chicago basketball figures Mark Aguirre and Ray Meyer will be honored during the State Farm Chicago Legends doubleheader on Saturday, Dec. 17 at the United Center. The two were named honorees by a selection committee comprised of Chicago sports and media figures.
Together, local prodigy Aguirre and Meyer, known as ‘America’s Grandfather’ brought DePaul to national prominence as they led the Blue Demons to arguably the three best seasons in school history, including a Final Four appearance in 1979. Individually, their legacies are etched in basketball record books and in the memories of Chicago hoops fans.
Aguirre made a name for himself as a standout at Westinghouse, and is known as one of the best players to ever come out of the Chicago Public League. His DePaul career began with a trip to the Final Four, and included Player of the Year recognition from the Associated Press, USBWA, UPI and Sporting News. He also received the James Naismith Award and was voted a two-time consensus AP All-American before he was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft. The majority of his 14-year NBA career was spent with the Dallas Mavericks and Detroit Pistons, where he won two NBA titles with fellow Chicagoan, Isiah Thomas.
“I love Chicago… [The city] has produced some of the best basketball players in the world,” said Aguirre. “Thank you, Chicago, for the best basketball moments of my life.”
Born and raised in Chicago, Meyer became a fixture in the city’s basketball scene when in his very first year at DePaul, he guided the team to the Final Four, thus beginning an historic 42-year career on the Blue Demon sideline. Besides Aguirre, Meyer helped shape the careers of standouts George Mikan, Howie Carl and Terry Cummings. His 724 wins rank among the top 20 in NCAA history, and have been recognized by the Naismith Hall of Fame and Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame.
“I am very proud and honored to see Coach being recognized,” said Joey Meyer, who will accept the honor on his father’s behalf. “He meant so much to the Meyer family and the City of Chicago.”
Additional information can be found at ChicagoLegends.com. Fans can also follow the State Farm Chicago Legends on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @ChiLegends.
