The number 14 will always be on display at the Hynes Athletics Center. On Jan. 31, Iona College retired the number to honor alumnus Richard “Richie” Guerin.

Guerin, Class of 1954, is a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer. He is the first Iona graduate to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in any of the four major sports (basketball, baseball, football, or hockey).

In his 13-year professional career, Guerin suited up for the New York Knicks and the St. Louis/Atlanta Hawks. He amassed 14,676 points and was a six-time NBA All-Star.

ESPN.com named him the 19th greatest Knick of all time. He is in the top-10 in Knicks history in points, scoring average, assists, field goals and free throws made.

At Iona, Guerin averaged 19.6 points per game and recorded a total of 1,375 points, which was the program record at the time of his graduation. He posted the school’s first 40-point game.

At the pregame reception for Guerin, sophomore Matt Byrne, a member of the baseball team, spoke on behalf of all the student-athletes.

“Mr. Richie Guerin set a standard of excellence by every measure for current and future Iona student-athletes, and not just by his athletic accomplishments,” Byrne said. “Every step of his life – as an Iona Gael, a United States Marine, a New York Knick, a proud family man, father, and grandfather – Mr. Guerin portrayed himself with class, dignity and excellence.”

At the halftime ceremony, a banner was unveiled that displays Guerin’s name, number and years at Iona.

He was also presented with a framed jersey by President Dr. Joseph Nyre, Athletics Director Rick Cole and Chair of the Board Jim Hynes.

In the game that night, the Iona men’s basketball team defeated rival Manhattan 85-73 in front of a packed house.

The students’ section was full of life, with everyone donning their Guerin T-shirts. They chanted “We want Richard” throughout the game as a way of paying homage to the night’s honoree.

“It was great to have someone with such history come back to have his number retired,” men’s basketball head coach Tim Cluess said.

“The support from the fans was terrific. It was a terrific night for Iona overall.”

With Guerin’s number hanging in the rafters, everyone who enters the Hynes Athletics Center will forever be reminded of his legacy.