Badgers to retire Kaminsky's No. 44 jersey

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The University of the Wisconsin will officially retire Frank Kaminsky’s No. 44 jersey during a halftime ceremony on Feb. 15 during the Badgers game against Purdue.



The 2015 consensus National Player of the Year is currently in his third season with the Charlotte Hornets and will make the trip to Madison during the NBA All-Star Break to take part in the celebration.

Kaminsky’s jersey will be just the second number to hang in the Kohl Center alongside Ab Nicholas' No. 8.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine having my number hanging in the Kohl Center rafters," Kaminsky said in a statement. "I’m truly honored by this recognition and I can’t wait to come back to Madison in February."

His jersey will hang in the rafters, but No. 44 will still be available for future Badgers players to wear.

Kaminsky became the first player in Wisconsin history to win the Wooden Award, Naismith Trophy, Oscar Robertson Trophy and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award. He was also named 2015 National Player of the Year by the Associated Press, Sporting News and USA Today.

The Lisle, Illinois native led the Badgers to the 2015 national championship game and the 2014 Final Four.

Kaminsky became just the second player in Wisconsin history to record 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 100 blocks during his career. He set the Badgers' single-game scoring record (43 points) as a junior.