FRESNO, Calif. – Rod Higgins, one of the most decorated players in Fresno State men's basketball history, and a 13-year NBA veteran, will have his #22 jersey retired on Feb. 24, Fresno State Director of Athletics Terry Tumey announced on Wednesday.
"Rod Higgins' tremendous contributions to Fresno State and the game of basketball make him more than deserving of this honor," said Director of Athletics Terry Tumey. "As a student-athlete, Rod led our program to arguably the most profound era in Bulldog Basketball history and at the professional level, Rod achieved a long and successful career as both a player and an executive. We are proud that Rod Higgins' name will forever hang from the rafters of the Save Mart Center."
Higgins, a native of Harvey, Ill., is the only Bulldog to be twice recognized as an AP All-American, earning honorable mention in 1981 and 1982. A three-time All-Pacific Coast Athletic Association selection, Higgins was drafted No. 31 overall in the 1982 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls. He played for seven different franchises which included three-plus seasons with the Bulls (1982-86) and seven seasons with the Golden State Warriors (1986-92, 1994-95).
Higgins' jersey retirement ceremony will take place during halftime of Fresno State's matchup with San Diego State on Feb. 24 which will be Alumni Day at the Save Mart Center. His jersey will be the third retired in Fresno State men's basketball history, joining Paul George (#24 on Nov. 10, 2019) and Jerry Tarkanian (#2 on March 1, 2014).
Higgins was a star during one the Bulldogs' best runs in their history. A two-time PCAA champion, he led the 'Dogs to back-to-back appearances in the NCAA tournament. In 1982, Fresno State went 27-3, was in the UPI Top 10, reached the Sweet 16, and finished No. 11 in the AP's final rankings.
Playing in 104 games, Higgins averaged 13.5 points and 5.8 rebounds during his four-year career, totaling 1,402 points and 603 rebounds. He ranks No. 15 on Fresno State's all-time scoring list.
Higgins went on to play in 779 games in the NBA, averaging 9.0 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. Since his retirement in 1994, he has continued to work in the league, serving as an assistant coach, a scout and an executive for multiple franchises.