July 28, 2008
· Press release: Men's Athletics retires nine jersey numbers
Rick Barnes
We want to send our appreciation to DeLoss and The University of Texas administration for their roles in getting this done. Everyone in the Texas basketball program salutes both Kevin and Slater on this great honor. To finally be able to recognize the achievements of Slater here on this campus in the right way is something long overdue and greatly deserved. With Kevin winning every National Player of the Year honor, his accomplishments speak for themselves. Both are true Texas legends, and it will be great to see their jerseys retired in the Erwin Center this coming season.
SCOTT BRYANT
It is a phenomenal honor. It truly came as a complete surprise when I got the call from Coach Garrido. To be considered for this honor and to be mentioned with some of the greatest players in the history of Texas Baseball and Longhorns athletics is unbelievable. I am blown away.
Mack Brown
We're really excited that DeLoss and The University have seen it fit to retire Bobby, Tommy and Vince's jerseys. They all certainly are deserving and what a great opportunity to recognize some of the greatest players from so many outstanding eras in Texas football. We're looking forward to honoring them at a game this fall.
KEVIN DURANT
I'm completely humbled to have my jersey number retired. Growing up, I never imagined I would be able to attend such a great university and be surrounded by so many great people who had such a positive influence on my development. I've never been one to pay attention to individual honors, as I take more pride in team success. But this is definitely an honor that really is special to me and my family. The University of Texas means so much to me. To be able to return to Austin and see my jersey hanging up in the Erwin Center, a place that I will always call home, is unbelievable. I feel truly blessed.
Brooks Kieschnick
I am very honored and it is obviously a very exciting time for me. I am kind of overwhelmed. It is hard to explain. Even now, when people mention me, they say former Longhorn or former Texas baseball player and you find it very seldom a school's name is linked to it's athletes as much as at The University of Texas. So to have my number retired at such a prestigious institution as UT is a really overwhelming feeling.
Tommy Nobis
The University of Texas stands for a lot more than just football, but I know how important football is there, and we have had a lot of great teams and great players. When I think of all of the people who have walked onto that field, to be pulled out and recognized as one of the best is really special for me and my family.
VINCE YOUNG
Man, I'm speechless. This is such an unbelievable honor, having my jersey retired along with a group of Longhorn football legends like Earl (Campbell), Ricky (Williams), Bobby Layne and Tommy Nobis. I want to congratulate all of the UT legends who are having their jerseys retired in all of the sports. It's humbling to be among that group. UT has been great to me. I have so many wonderful memories and I can't thank Coach Brown, the coaches and staff, DeLoss (Dodds) and everyone enough for this great honor. Wow, it's just really something special that I could never have dreamed of -- seeing my jersey hanging in the stadium at a place I love so much. That's something my family can enjoy and be proud of forever.
Augie Garrido
This is another fine gesture to embrace the history of Texas baseball and recognize the significance of individual efforts in building the best program in college baseball. The selection process the athletics department used has yielded some outstanding Longhorns for this honor and it will be exciting to be a part of the ceremonies.
