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The greatest Tennessee retires Holdsclaw's No. 23
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- If Tennessee ever has another player like Chamique Holdsclaw, she won't get to wear No. 23. The Lady Vols retired Holdsclaw's jersey on Thursday during halftime of the Connecticut game. Her number is only the fourth retired at Tennessee. "All this success I've encountered makes me want to cry," Holdsclaw said after she was presented with a framed jersey at midcourt. The crowd stood and cheered and indoor fireworks went off as she was announced. Holdsclaw became Tennessee's all-time leading scorer (3,025 points) and rebounder (1,295 rebounds) while leading the Lady Vols to three national championships in 1996, 1997 and 1998. A four-time All-American and two-time National Player of the Year, Holdsclaw was named the Naismith Player of the Century. An entire page in the media guide is devoted to the long list of honors she was awarded when she was freshman in 1995 to her senior year in 1999. She now plays for the Washington Mystics and was a member of the gold medal U.S. Olympic team. Holdsclaw has remained a revered player in the hearts of fans and frequently attends Tennessee games. "I choked up. I shed a tear," Holdsclaw said after the game. "I know how much this program means to me. This team has supported me." Holdsclaw's grandmother, June, and mother, Bonita, also attended the game and halftime ceremony with coach Pat Summitt. The Lady Vols were ahead 45-44 at halftime and went on to beat their archrival 92-88. "It made me wish I was back. It was a long game," Holdsclaw said. "I know that since Tamika [Catchings] was hurt, people have been saying that Tennessee was not that good, but I've still defended this team." Tennessee has also retired No. 22 worn by Holly Warlick, a current assistant coach; No. 30 worn by Bridgette Gordon and No. 32 worn by Daedra Charles. Another Lady Vol standout and Olympian, Nikki McCray, wore No. 23.
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