UConn To Retire Ray Allen, Rebecca Lobo’s Numbers

For the first time in the history of the UConn men’s and women’s basketball programs, the numbers of two players will be retired. The school announced on Friday that Ray Allen and Rebecca Lobo will have their No. 34 and No. 50, respectively, placed in the rafters at Gampel Pavilion.

“Rebecca and Ray are two UConn Basketball icons who were integral to the success and growth of both programs and I am thrilled that we will be able to recognize them in this special way. Rebecca and Ray continue to be tremendous ambassadors for UConn and we are proud of all their accomplishments and grateful for their continued support of the University community,” UConn athletic director David Benedict said in a statement.

Going forward, no men’s basketball player will wear the No. 34 and no women’s basketball player will wear the No. 50.

The last player to wear the No. 34 for the men’s team was grad transfer David Onuorah. Before that, it was Alex Oriahki from 2010-12, Hasheem Thabeet from 2007-09 and Souleymane Wane, who wore from it from 1998-2000.

Other notable players who wore the jersey before Allen did from 1994 to 1996 are Brian Fair (1992) and Randy LaVigne (1976-79).

“It’s truly a great honor,” Ray Allen said in a statement. “I know in the history of the program, nobody has had their number retired and to be the first is really unfathomable to me.”

“I haven’t had my number retired anywhere I’ve played and to have UConn think that highly of me … I am just honored and humbled.”

“I also want to congratulate Rebecca and I hope this can set a precedent going forward as a way to honor men and women who have had exceptional careers in college and afterward. If this can usher in a new era as to how we proceed as we move forward, I am happy and proud to be captain of that ship.”

Since Lobo graduated in 1995, no women’s basketball player has worn the No. 50.

“I spent four amazing years wearing the #50 on my UConn jersey and am honored and thrilled that it will have a permanent home in the rafters of Gampel Pavilion,” Rebecca Lobo said in a statement. “We all know that before long there will be plenty of other UConn women’s jerseys hanging next to mine. I am forever grateful to Coach Auriemma and CD for the impact they had on my life and would like to pass along congratulations to Ray as well.”

Both numbers will be retired during the first weekend of March.