The Boston College Athletics department is pleased to announce the planned retirement of the jersey of men’s basketball icon John Austin on February 17, during the game against Miami. This event will also serve as a commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the 1993-94 team’s NCAA Elite Eight run, with a special halftime ceremony to pay tribute to their accomplishments.
John Austin made history as the first African American to join the Eagles’ men’s basketball program and the first BC player to receive All-American honors. His illustrious career commenced with consecutive national prep championships at DeMatha H.S. in Washington, D.C., before he excelled for the Eagles from 1963-66.
Despite NCAA regulations on freshmen ineligibility, Austin swiftly proved himself as one of the leading scorers in the country. His exceptional sophomore season saw him average 29.2 points per game, ranking eighth nationally. Subsequently, he followed it up by averaging 26.9 points per game in his junior year, placing sixth in the nation for scoring. Austin’s stellar performances propelled the Eagles to their inaugural appearance in the National Invitation Tournament.
Under the supervision of second-year head coach Bob Cousy, Austin continued to impress during his senior year, averaging 25.4 points per game and securing another trip to the NIT. His talent and dedication earned him numerous All-American honors from renowned organizations such as the Associated Press, the National Association of Basketball Coaches, and the United States Basketball Writers Association.
To this day, Austin’s single-season scoring averages still rank at the top of Boston College history. His most notable performance occurred on February 21, 1964, when he scored a record-breaking 49 points against Georgetown, solidifying his place in the college basketball hall of fame.
Upon graduating in 1966, Austin departed as the program’s all-time leading scorer, with 1,845 points in 68 games. His exceptional career was further immortalized with his induction into the Boston College Varsity Club Athletic Hall of Fame in 1972. Despite his passing in November 2020, John Austin’s legacy continues to inspire and influence the basketball community.
The 1993-94 Boston College Eagles, under the leadership of head coach Jim O’Brien, also enjoyed a remarkable spotlight. Led by seniors Bill Curley, Malcolm Huckaby, Howard Eisley, and Gerrod Abram, along with talented freshman forward Danya Abrams, the team achieved an impressive 23-11 overall record and an 11-7 mark in Big East play.
Their commendable performance secured them an at-large bid to the 1994 NCAA Tournament, where they made history by defeating top-seeded North Carolina. The team’s journey ultimately concluded in the East Regional championship game, but their resilience and determination left a lasting impact in Boston College Athletics’ history.
In honour of their achievements, Malcolm Huckaby and Danya Abrams will participate in the game’s commentary, with Huckaby serving as the analyst for ACC Network and Abrams on the radio call for the Boston College Sports Network.
This significant event provides an opportunity for fans and supporters to witness the recognition of these basketball legends and celebrate their enduring contributions to the sport. Tickets for the game are available for purchase at the Boston College Athletics box office, by calling (617) 552-GOBC, or by visiting BCEagles.com.