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NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - Niagara legend Frank Layden (’55) returns to the Gallagher Center to have his jersey retired on Saturday, Feb. 11 when the Purple Eagles host Rider at 2 p.m.

"I'm thrilled to be coming home to join such great friends and teammates in this wonderful honor," Layden said.

Layden, who played for Niagara from 1951-55 under John 'Taps' Gallagher, is a pro and collegiate basketball coaching legend. He led his alma mater for eight seasons, including taking Niagara to the program’s first ever NCAA Tournament in 1970. Layden and future Naismith Hall of Famer Calvin Murphy helped Niagara defeat No. 7 Penn, 79-69, in the NCAA Tournament First Round and finished fourth in the East Regional. Layden finished his coaching tenure at Niagara at the end of the 1976 season with 119 career wins, which were second at the time to John ‘Taps’ Gallagher.

Layden’s next move was to the NBA where he worked under former college teammate Hubie Brown for three seasons as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks. The New Orleans Jazz hired him as general manager in 1979 and after the team moved to Utah, he added responsibilities as head coach for the 1981-82 season. From 1981-89, Layden’s team made the playoffs in five straight seasons (1983-88) and he was named 1984 NBA Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year.

After he finished his coaching career in 1989, he remained as general manager through 1998, and guided the Jazz to the top of the NBA. The team averaged 55 wins per season over his last 10 years with the organization and twice advanced to the NBA Finals.

Following the game on Saturday, there will be an autograph session with Layden at courtside.

Layden will also be the keynote speaker for Friday’s Hall of Fame Ceremony. Layden was inducted into the Niagara Athletics Hall of Fame in 1981. For more information, contact Jennifer Ebbole at 716-286-8600.

For ticket information for this weekend’s games, contact the Niagara Athletic Ticket Office at 716-286-8499 or at tickets@purpleeagles.com.