Jan. 22, 2004

Columbia, Mo. - Five of the premier basketball players in the history of Mizzou Basketball will be recognized on Saturday for their accomplishments during their amazing careers. Jon Sundvold (1980-83 - #20), Willie Smith (1975-76 - #30), Doug Smith (1988-91 - #34), Steve Stipanovich (1980-83 - #40) and Bill Stauffer (1950-52 - #43) all had their numbers retired following their illustrious careers at Mizzou and banners bearing those numbers now hang in the Hearnes Center rafters.

On Saturday, the banners will be lowered during a halftime ceremony honoring these five great individuals and their accomplishments while wearing the black and gold. Following the completion of Mizzou's new $75 million arena, which is scheduled for Oct. 1 of 2004, the jerseys will be raised and will once again overlook the home of the Tigers in the rafters of the new building.

The final retired number that will hang in the Hearnes Center is a tribute to former All-American and Tiger coaching great Norm Stewart (1954-56 - #22). Stewart will be recognized at halftime of the Tigers' game with Iowa State on Feb. 18, as he will be a member of the broadcast team for the contest. His banner will be lowered as well and transferred over to the new arena along with the other banners that will be lowered on Saturday.

For more information on the ceremony, please contact Sam Fleury in the MU Media Relations office at (573) 884-2437. For more information on Missouri basketball, log on to the home for Mizzou athletics on the web, www.mutigers.com.