The Hofstra Men's Basketball program will honor one of its all-time greats when Bill Thieben's jersey number 93 is retired on Saturday prior to the Pride's game with St. Francis (N.Y.) at 4 p.m.

In an effort to acknowledge the outstanding accomplishments of numerous former student-athletes during the University's nearly 75 years of existence, Hofstra University has announced that a group of 20 past Pride athletes will have their jersey numbers retired this academic year. The list is highlighted by National Football League (NFL) star Marques Colston of the New Orleans Saints and National Basketball Association (NBA) veteran Craig "Speedy" Claxton of the Atlanta Hawks.

"The honoring of these 20 former student-athletes is a celebration of the outstanding history of Hofstra Athletics," commented Hofstra University Director of Athletics Jack Hayes.

Thieben graduated in 1956 after shattering virtually every significant Hofstra record. In only 76 games spanning three seasons, Thieben amassed 2,045 points and 1,837 rebounds. He currently ranks fifth on the Pride's all-time scoring list, while his rebounding record hasn't been challenged since, as John Irving is in second place with 1,186 rebounds, 651 less than Thieben's mark, and no other Hofstra player has reached 1,000 rebounds for a career.

Thieben also still holds school records for highest scoring (26.9 ppg) and rebounding (24.2) averages for a career, and holds single-game records for both points (48) and rebounds (43), which have held for 53 years. He was the first Hofstra player to win the Haggerty Award as the top player in the Metropolitan New York area in 1956. After graduation, Thieben was drafted by the Fort Wayne Pistons and played two years in the NBA.

Thieben will be the second of four men's basketball players to have their jersey numbers retired this season. Steve Nisenson (1962-65) had his number 13 retired prior to Hofstra's Dec. 3 game against Fordham. Speedy Claxton (1996-2000) and Rich Laurel (1973-77) will have their numbers retired later this winter as well.

The St. Francis (N.Y.) game will be televised live on MSG+. To purchase men's basketball tickets, visit our website at hofstra.edu/athletics or call 516-HOF-TIXX (516-463-8499).