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RUSTON – Louisiana Tech Athletics announced Thursday that the No. 24 jersey of Hall of Famer Paul Millsap worn during his remarkable college career from 2003-06 will be officially retired during a halftime ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 7, inside the Thomas Assembly Center.
Millsap, one of the most decorated players in Louisiana Tech men’s basketball history, will join an elite group of Bulldog legends – Jackie Moreland, Leon Barmore, and Karl Malone – whose numbers hang forever in the rafters.
Millsap, a Grambling native, became a four-time All-Star Game participant in a 16-season NBA career.
“We are extremely excited to be able to honor the career and success of Paul Millsap,” said Ryan Ivey, vice president and athletics director. “Paul has been the consummate professional and represented Louisiana Tech University with class throughout his career. His name is synonymous with hard work, perseverance, dedication, and grit. Paul’s legacy runs deep within Louisiana Tech University and our community, and this honor is very well earned. We can’t wait to welcome him back to campus and celebrate him.”
A native of nearby Grambling, Millsap electrified Bulldog fans from the moment he stepped on campus. During his three-year career (2003-06), he quickly emerged as one of the nation’s premier players, averaging 18.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks over 92 games for the Bulldogs.
Millsap became the only player in NCAA Division I history to lead the nation in rebounding three consecutive seasons. He earned Western Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year honors in 2003-04 and was three-time All-WAC, three-time NABC All-District, two-time USBWA All-District, and was named honorable mention AP All-America in 2005-06.
“When I came with Louisiana Tech, I came with a dream,” said Millsap. “To compete, to grow, and improve myself every time I stepped on the basketball court. Those moments in the Thomas Assembly Center shaped who I am today, and I am honored to return to Ruston for Legends Day to see my No. 24 jersey retired. Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog.”
His career totals rank him among Tech’s all-time leaders in scoring (ninth with 1,708 points), rebounding (second with 1,172 boards), and blocks (fourth with 183).
Millsap’s impact on the court was matched by an outstanding professional career, beginning with his selection by the Utah Jazz with the 47th overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft. He played16 seasons in the NBA, where he was selected four times as an NBA All-Star and became one of the league’s most respected power forwards.