The BIG EAST Conference has announced the third annual BIG EAST Basketball Legends Recognition Program, which will honor former standout coaches and players from each of its 11 member schools at the upcoming women’s and men’s basketball tournaments.
The women’s basketball legends will be recognized during the tournament quarterfinals on March 7 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. The men’s basketball legends will be honored during each team’s first game of the BIG EAST Tournament at Madison Square Garden in New York City, with the first round scheduled for March 11 and quarterfinals on March 12.
“We are excited to continue this annual celebration of former players and coaches who have had profound impacts on the history and success of our 22 basketball programs,” said BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman. “Our third group of BIG EAST Legends includes trailblazers as well as more recent stars, all of whom have contributed significantly to their schools and many of whom are part of BIG EAST basketball lore.  We look forward to giving them the big round of applause they deserve during our upcoming tournament festivities.”
Among those being recognized are Creighton’s Jaylyn Agnew (2015-20) for women’s basketball and Ryan Sears (1997-2001) for men’s basketball. Agnew was named the 2020 BIG EAST Player of the Year and became Creighton’s first WNBA draftee when she was selected by the Washington Mystics in April 2020. She concluded her college career with over 1,500 points and later served as an assistant coach under Jim Flanery for two seasons.
Sears started every game during his four years at Creighton, finishing as the school’s all-time leader in assists, steals, and three-pointers at that time. He helped lead his team to three NCAA Tournaments and one NIT appearance.
Other honorees include UConn’s Peggy Myers and Donyell Marshall; DePaul’s Allie Quigley and David Booth; Georgetown’s Katie Fudd and Eric Smith; Marquette’s Christina Quaye and Travis Diener; Providence’s Tracy Lis and Eric Murdock; St. John’s Aliyyah Handford and Metta World Peace; Seton Hall’s Phyllis Mangina and Andre Barrett; Villanova’s Helen Koskinen-Perretta and Alvin Williams; Xavier’s Nicole Levandusky and Tu Holloway; along with Butler’s Mary Shaw for women’s basketball and Joel Cornette for men’s basketball.
Each legend has left a significant mark on their respective programs through records set or leadership roles held both on the court as players or off it as coaches or contributors.
The recognition program is now in its third year, aiming to highlight individuals who have shaped not only their teams but also contributed to broader conference achievements across both women’s and men’s sports.
