NBA Hall of Famer Murphy returns to
Gallagher Center

Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, December 24, 2003
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, December 27, 2003

Arguably the most famous and talented Purple Eagle of all time, Calvin Murphy, returns to Niagara University’s Gallagher Center on Jan. 9, 2004, to be honored during the men’s basketball game against Manhattan.

Though only 5'10'' and 165 pounds, Murphy was a stand-out performer at NU. In 1967, in his first varsity game, he broke the school single-game scoring record with 41 points. He went on to average 38.2 points per game, the eighth-best NCAA basketball scoring average of all time. As a junior, Murphy earned a place on 13 All-America teams. As a senior, he led NU to a 20-win season, and its first NCAA Tournament appearance.

Murphy was a member of the NBA All-Rookie team in 1971. He holds the NBA single season free throw percentage (.958) and is third all-time in career free throw percentage (.892). He was elected to the Niagara Athletics Hall of Fame in 1975, and into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.

Game time is 7 p.m. The first 500 people in will receive a Calvin Murphy bobblehead. At halftime, baton twirlers will entertain the crowd. Murphy, in addition to his basketball prowess, was one of the world's best baton twirlers, placing second in the New York World's Fair.

Murphy will meet fans and sign autographs after the game. For more information contact the NU athletic department at 286-8600.