Welcome back to another edition of Husky History, the column that highlights a former UConn athlete and their accomplishments in Storrs and their professional careers.
In response to the news that Richard Hamilton will have his jersey number retired later this month, it’s appropriate to highlight one of the greatest Huskies to ever lace up the shoes.
Born on Feb. 14, 1978, in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, Hamilton attended Coatesville Area High School where he was a star. In his senior year, he was ranked as one of the best high school players in the country and was named to the McDonald’s All-American Team.
Garnering attention from several big-time programs, Hamilton ultimately decided to take his talents to play for Hall of Famer Coach Jim Calhoun and the UConn Huskies. The team began to gain national recognition with the help of Ray Allen and Doron Sheffer, so it was the perfect fit for a combo guard with immense potential.
His first season in 1996 was on a roster with five other freshmen, so Hamilton had a starting role from the beginning. Making the most of the opportunity, he was named to the Big East All-Freshman Team after he averaged 15.9 points, 4.3 boards and 2.8 assists for the 18-15 Huskies. The team went on to finish third in the National Invitation Tournament.
Hamilton clearly had star potential, which he proved when he returned for his sophomore season. He improved in most statistical categories by averaging 21.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. For his efforts, he received many accolades like Big East Player of the Year and Second Team All-American honors.
Hamilton helped lead the Huskies to a Big East Tournament and Regular Season Title in the 1997-98 season. While Hamilton had a poor shooting night against North Carolina in the Elite Eight matchup, the team was noticeably improving each year.
After the heartbreaking loss in the tournament, there was consideration to leave for the NBA, but Hamilton decided to return in the quest for a championship. He repeated as the Big East Player of the Year and earned First Team All-American status for the 34-2 Huskies.
Hamilton cemented his legacy in the 1998-99 season. He finished second in the country with 732 points, but his most memorable performance came when the lights shined the brightest: the National Championship game.
Despite their stellar resume, the Huskies were considered underdogs against Duke, who had four future first round NBA Draft choices on the roster. That didn’t deter Hamilton, who would go on to score 27 to deliver UConn its first national title.
Following the historic run, Hamilton opted to forgo his final year of collegiate eligibility and entered the NBA Draft. He remains second all-time in program history in points (2036) and points per game (19.8).
Hamilton was later selected seventh overall by the Washington Wizards, who were consistently turning in disappointing seasons. The front office hoped he would provide the spark necessary to bring the franchise back to relevancy.
After spending three impactful seasons in Washington where he averaged 15.6 points per game, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons, who were establishing themselves as a dominant defensive force. Only a season after Hamilton arrived, the Pistons ended the Los Angeles Lakers dynasty with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. Hamilton scored a team-high 21 points in a clinching game five.
Trading for the young Hamilton had paid off well early for the Pistons. Shortly after the championship, from 2005-08 he would make three straight All-Star Games for his suffocating defensive play and incredible efficiency.
After nine seasons with Detroit, Hamilton signed as a free agent with the Chicago Bulls. As a valuable veteran presence, he still averaged 10.5 points on 43.8 percent shooting in two seasons. Following the 2012-13 season, he was waived, bringing his illustrious career to a close.
In early 2017, Hamilton’s No. 32 was hung in the Little Caesars Arena rafters forever for his accomplishments in the Motor City. Leaving behind an everlasting impact wherever he plays seems to be the norm for The Man in the Mask.
Hamilton was present for the 2023 National Championship game and made appearances in practice to offer words of wisdom as the team marched to their fifth title in school history. Having a legend offer advice certainly contributed to the men bringing home the big trophy.
UConn fans look back on Rip’s three years in Storrs feeling nothing short of appreciation. For those interested, No. 32 will rise to the rafters of Gampel Pavilion on Feb. 24 in the matchup against Villanova. It’s highly encouraged to attend and give praise to the Husky great.