Malcolm Brogdon to Join UVA’s Basketball Legends as His Number is Retired

Editor’s note: A version of this story first appeared on UVA Today on Dec. 15, 2016.

The University of Virginia will retire the No. 15 worn by two-time All-America men’s basketball player Malcolm Brogdon on Monday, when the Cavaliers host the University of Miami at John Paul Jones Arena. He joins seven other players in the program’s 112-season history who have previously received this honor.

Brogdon, who graduated in May, is currently in his rookie season with the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association and will attend the UVA-Miami game during the NBA’s All-Star break.

“I remember the very first time I watched Malcolm play. I was convinced he could be special. I just knew if we were fortunate enough to get Malcolm to attend UVA he could lead our program to great heights and have a special career,” head coach Tony Bennett said. “I’ve never coached a player with the drive and dedication to be the best he could be quite like Malcolm.

“He also represented everything that is right about being a true student-athlete. What a model for making an impact on the court, in the classroom and the community. I couldn’t be any happier than to see No. 15 raised to the rafters.”

UVA has played men’s basketball since 1905-06. The other former Cavaliers whose numbers have been retired are Jeff Lamp (3), Barry Parkhill (40), Ralph Sampson (50), Sean Singletary (44), Bryant Stith (20), Wally Walker (41) and Buzzy Wilkinson (14). Their numbers and Brogdon’s No. 15 will not be worn again.

Brogdon finished his career ranked ninth on UVA’s all-time scoring list with 1,809 points. He also ranked first in free throw percentage (87.6 percent), second in games played (136), fifth in minutes played (4,157), sixth in 3-point field goal percentage (36.5 percent), seventh in 3-pointers made (185) and ninth in free throws made (422).

After becoming the first player to be named Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season, Brogdon earned consensus first-team All-America and National Association of Basketball Coaches Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2016. The three-time All-ACC first-team performer earned consensus second-team All-America honors in 2015. He helped Virginia to 111 wins, four NCAA tournament berths, two ACC regular-season titles and one ACC Tournament championship during his career.

Brogdon earned his bachelor’s degree in history from the College of Arts & Sciences and his master’s degree in public policy from the Frank Batten School of Public Policy and Leadership. In addition, Brogdon was a Senior CLASS Award and Allstate NABC Good Works Team honoree, and John R. Wooden Citizenship Cup finalist for his excellence in the classroom and community.

(ESPN profile: Virginia’s Malcolm Brogdon Honored to Live on ‘The Range’)

A limited number of single-game tickets for the Virginia-Miami game were to be made available for purchase online at VirginiaSports.com/tickets on Friday at 5 p.m. For information about men’s basketball tickets, call the Virginia athletics ticket office at 1-800-542-UVA1 (8821).

Letter from Malcolm Brogdon

I am honored and grateful to learn that UVA Basketball No. 15 will be retired. I am humbled to join the exceptional players and men whose numbers have been retired. These men are inspirations to me and represent the best of UVA Basketball.

It was a privilege to be a part of the UVA Basketball Program that aspired to greatness through the five pillars set by head coach Tony Bennett: Humility, Passion, Unity, Servanthood, and Thankfulness. These principles have become cornerstones of my life and have served me well as a basketball player and person.

I want to thank Coach Bennett and the entire coaching staff, my teammates, UVA faculty, staff, and students, as well as each individual who supported the University of Virginia and UVA basketball during my time at the University.

I am truly grateful to the coaches who developed me as a player and person, and to my teammates who became friends and brothers.

I am appreciative of the faculty who challenged and supported me, as well as each staff person who supported me during times of challenge, had a kind word when I needed one, and who continue to work to make the University great.

While at UVA, I met some of the finest women and men anywhere. It was an honor to attend such a great university and to learn and grow with fellow students.

Finally, to all of the individuals who supported the UVA Basketball Program, it was a joy to play for you. Your support over the years made all of our achievements possible.

Thank you for this great honor.

Malcolm Brogdon