Alumnus Steve Nash honored with retired jersey

By Chris Furnari

After giving a speech in front of students and faculty alike, Steve Nash was recognized for his pristine accomplishments as Santa Clara retired his jersey by hanging it in the Leavey center at Monday's convocation.

Although Nash was the only basketball alumnus being honored Monday, he was proud to have several former teammates in attendance. During his speech, he acknowledged them and said that he became the player he is today because of them.

"It's a little bit awkward to be singled out," said Nash in a press conference prior to the ceremony. "I still feel like one of the guys regardless of what I've done professionally."

Nash also spoke about the importance of building relationships while at Santa Clara. He shared some candid moments of his recollection of the local bar "The Hut."

After Nash was done speaking, Athletic Director Dan Coonan and head men's basketball coach Dick Davey formally commemorated Nash's time as a Bronco with the retirement of his jersey.

Coonan also pointed out that Nash was more than just a great basketball player.

"It is fitting to honor him here instead of at a basketball game because his impact is on more than just the world of basketball," said Coonan.

Nash graduated in 1996 with a degree in sociology, something he claims "opened his eyes" to the world. As a direct result, Nash started the Steve Nash Foundation.

Nash is the all-time Broncos leader in career assists, free throw percentage and three pointers made and attempted. He is also third on the all-time Bronco scoring list and was twice named the West Coast Conference Player of the Year.

Nash was selected in the first round of the NBA draft in 1996 and has most recently earned back-to-back NBA Most Valuable Player awards.

Off the court, Steve Nash is an excellent role model for those who look up to him. He founded the Steve Nash Foundation in 2001, and hosts an annual charity basketball game which he believes "builds hopes through hoops."

Nash was recently married and has twin daughters.

While future Bronco basketball players can wear Nash's number 11, his jersey will remain hanging in the Leavey Center.

Jersey retirings happen through a committee that determines if Bronco athletes deserve such recognition. To date, the only other jersey in the Leavey Center is that of Nick Vanos.

Vanos played for the Broncos from 1981-1985. He was drafted by the Phoenix Suns, but died in a plane crash on August 16, 1987, after just two years in the NBA. Vanos' number 32 jersey is the only one to be retired.

Contact Chris Furnari at (408) 551-1918 or cfurnari@scu.edu