COLLEGEVILLE, Pa. (CBS) — In Division III basketball, there is a critical local game tonight as Centennial Conference powers Ursinus and Franklin and Marshall face off.  But it will be a special night in Collegeville even before the ball is tipped as prior to the game, Ursinus will retire the number of one of the greatest players in program history, guard Mike McGarvey.

Now an assistant coach for the Bears, McGarvey’s #11 will be the third number in the history of the men’s basketball program to head to the rafters.

“When I got the news (from Ursinus head coach Kevin Small), I was pretty awestruck. Pretty emotional.  It’s a great honor,” McGarvey told KYW’s Matt Leon.

Hear the entire interview in this CBS Philly SportsPod…

McGarvey’s résumé as a player is really second to none.   He was a two-time Centennial Conference player of the year, a two-time All-American, and he is still sixth on the NCAA Division III all-time list for assists (754).
McGarvey says the concept of the honor that will be bestowed on him tonight is still a bit surreal.

“When something that heavy is put on you, it’s hard to describe the feelings and emotions that run through your mind and your body. And that is definitely up there with one of the better feelings that I’ve ever had,” McGarvey said.

The other two men’s basketball players to have their numbers retired at Ursinus are Dennis Stanton and Richie Barrett.

Reported by Matt Leon, KYW Newsradio 1060.