Buddy Hield's Oklahoma Legacy Immortalized with Jersey Retirement Ceremony
The University of Oklahoma will honor one of its most celebrated basketball stars when Buddy Hield's No. 24 jersey is officially retired during a special ceremony on February 21. The event will take place at halftime of the Sooners' conference matchup against Texas A&M at the Lloyd Noble Center, marking a fitting tribute to a player who redefined excellence in Norman.
Hield's journey from promising recruit to National Player of the Year represents one of the most remarkable careers in Oklahoma basketball history. The former First-Team All-American will become just the sixth men's player in program history to receive this prestigious honor, joining an exclusive fraternity of Sooners legends.
The 2015-16 Season: A Campaign for the Ages
While Hield's entire four-year career was impressive, his senior season stands as one of the finest individual campaigns in modern college basketball. As the leader of a team that finished 29-8 and reached the NCAA Tournament Final Four, Hield elevated his game to unprecedented levels.
The Sooners' run to the 2016 Final Four captivated the college basketball world. Under the guidance of head coach Lon Kruger, Oklahoma consistently ranked among the nation's elite, maintaining a spot in the Associated Press top 10 throughout the entire season. The team reached the No. 1 ranking for three weeks and spent 12 of 20 weeks in the top three, establishing themselves as legitimate national championship contenders.
Hield's scoring exploits during this magical season earned him the nickname "Buddy Buckets" – a moniker that barely did justice to his offensive brilliance. He led Division I in multiple scoring categories while maintaining remarkable efficiency.
Statistical Dominance and National Recognition
The numbers from Hield's senior year tell the story of a player operating on a different level. In 37 games, he averaged 25.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, becoming the only player in Division I to reach those benchmarks. His scoring outbursts included 12 games with 30 or more points and 19 contests where he dropped at least 25 points.
What made Hield's scoring even more impressive was his efficiency. He shot 50.1 percent from the field despite being the focal point of every opposing defense. This combination of volume and accuracy caught the attention of voters nationwide, culminating in Hield receiving the John R. Wooden Award as the nation's best collegiate player.
A Four-Year Journey of Continuous Improvement
Unlike many modern stars who depart for professional opportunities after a season or two, Hield's story is one of dedication and gradual development. He spent four full seasons in Norman (2012-16), a rarity in today's college basketball landscape. Each year, both Hield and the Sooners showed marked improvement:
- Freshman year: 20 wins
- Sophomore year: 23 wins
- Junior year: 24 wins and a Sweet 16 appearance
- Senior year: 29 wins and a Final Four run
This steady progression culminated in the program's deepest NCAA Tournament run since 2002 and its first Final Four appearance since 1988.
The Ceremony and Reunion
The jersey retirement ceremony will serve as more than just an individual honor – it will be a celebration of a special team. Members of the 2015-16 squad will reunite for the occasion, commemorating the 10-year anniversary of their historic season. Having his former teammates present will undoubtedly make the moment even more meaningful for Hield, who has always emphasized team success over individual accolades.
The halftime presentation will see Hield's No. 24 jersey raised to the Lloyd Noble Center ceiling, where it will hang permanently alongside the program's other retired numbers. The ceremony is scheduled for the Texas A&M game, ensuring a packed house for the milestone event.
Joining Oklahoma's Mount Rushmore
When his jersey is raised, Hield will become the sixth Oklahoma men's player to be so honored. The exclusive list includes:
- Wayman Tisdale (No. 23, 1982-85)
- Alvan Adams (No. 33, 1972-75)
- Mookie Blaylock (No. 10, 1987-89)
- Stacey King (No. 33, 1985-89)
- Blake Griffin (No. 23, 2007-09)
Each of these players left an indelible mark on Oklahoma basketball, and Hield's inclusion is a testament to his impact on the program. His combination of individual brilliance, team success, and personal character made him the ideal candidate for this honor.
Professional Success in the NBA
Following his spectacular senior season, Hield was selected sixth overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2016 NBA Draft. He has gone on to enjoy a successful 10-year professional career, playing for five different franchises.
After his time in Sacramento, Hield has suited up for the New Orleans Pelicans, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, and currently the Golden State Warriors. His journey through the NBA has showcased the same work ethic and shooting prowess that made him a star in college, proving that his game could translate to the highest level.
A Legacy Beyond Statistics
What makes Hield's jersey retirement particularly meaningful is the totality of his Oklahoma experience. He wasn't just a player who put up numbers – he was a program builder who helped restore Oklahoma basketball to national prominence. His four-year commitment allowed him to develop from a raw talent into a polished superstar, embodying the value of patience and perseverance in an era of instant gratification.
The impact of the 2015-16 season extended far beyond that single year. It reestablished Oklahoma as a destination for elite recruits and demonstrated that the Sooners could compete with college basketball's traditional powers. Hield's magnetic personality and joyful approach to the game made him a fan favorite and helped create an electric atmosphere at the Lloyd Noble Center.
Looking Ahead to February 21
As the date approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be an emotional ceremony. For Hield, it represents the culmination of a dream realized – not just playing at Oklahoma, but leaving a permanent legacy. For current and future Sooners, it provides a tangible reminder of what can be achieved through dedication and excellence.
The presence of his former teammates will transform the event from an individual honor into a team celebration, recognizing that basketball remains the ultimate team sport. Together, they achieved something special, and together they will celebrate that achievement a decade later.
Conclusion
Buddy Hield's jersey retirement is more than a ceremonial honor – it's a recognition of one of the greatest careers in Oklahoma basketball history. From his freshman year contributions to his senior season dominance, Hield gave Sooners fans countless memories and helped lead the program to its greatest heights in nearly three decades.
When No. 24 is raised to the rafters on February 21, it will serve as a permanent reminder of what can be accomplished through talent, hard work, and unwavering commitment. Hield didn't just play at Oklahoma; he built a legacy that will inspire generations of Sooners to come.