The College of the Holy Cross will officially dedicate the court at the Hart Center Arena at the Luth Athletic Complex in honor of one of the most iconic individuals in Holy Cross and basketball history: Bob Cousy.
Beginning later this season — as the College celebrates the 125th anniversary of men's basketball at Holy Cross — the court will be permanently known as Bob Cousy '50 Court, thanks to a generous gift made in Cousy's honor.
The recognition cements the legacy of one of the most influential figures in basketball history — not only for his on-court contributions, but also for his civil rights advocacy and his charity work in Central Massachusetts and beyond.
A formal dedication and celebration will take place during Winter Homecoming weekend on Saturday, Feb. 7, prior to the men's basketball game vs. Lehigh. More details will be released about the event soon.
"Bob is the ultimate Crusader Legend and epitomizes what it means to be a person for and with others," said Holy Cross Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Kit Hughes. "His impact on our College, the Worcester community, the sport of basketball, and the world as a whole cannot be overstated.
"We are grateful for the incredible generosity shown in his honor — so that his iconic status can be further imprinted on our community for years to come."
As a freshman at Holy Cross, Cousy was a contributing member of the 1947 NCAA championship team. In his sophomore, junior and senior years he led Holy Cross to two more NCAA Tournaments and garnered All-East and All-America honors in the process. His teams also set the school record for consecutive victories, winning 29 straight games from March 4, 1949 to March 4, 1950.
Following his graduation, Cousy went on to play many years with the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association, helping build the team's dynasty of the 1950s and 1960s. On the Celtics, Cousy won six championships in seven seasons, led the league in assists for eight years straight, and was named NBA Most Valuable Player in 1957.
Cousy was inducted into the Holy Cross Varsity Club Hall of Fame in 1956 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1971. His jersey has been retired by both Holy Cross (No. 17 in 2008) and the Celtics (No. 14 in 1963).
In 2019, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, for his contributions to American life both on and off the court. Beyond his accomplishments on the hardwood, Cousy was a major and early proponent of diversity in the NBA and was a supporter of his black teammates during the civil rights movement. He has extensively worked with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass. & Metrowest organization for decades, with the "Bob Cousy Assist Program" — founded in 2023 — pairing Holy Cross basketball student-athletes with middle school students from the Nativity School of Worcester in a mentorship role.
EVENT INFORMATION
WHAT: Bob Cousy '50 Court Dedication Ceremony
WHEN: February 7, 2026 | Pregame of men's basketball 2 p.m. game vs. Lehigh
WHERE: Hart Center Arena at the Luth Athletic Complex | Worcester, Mass.
For more information about the event, please contact the Crusader Athletics Fund at crusaderathletics@holycross.edu or 508-793-2619.
ABOUT THE COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS
The College of the Holy Cross, in Worcester, Mass., is among the nation's leading liberal arts institutions. A highly selective, four-year, exclusively undergraduate college of 3,200 students, Holy Cross is renowned for offering a rigorous, personalized education in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition. Since its founding in 1843, Holy Cross has made a positive impact in society by graduating students who distinguish themselves as thoughtful leaders in business, professional and civic life.
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