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With more than 60 former Friar players lining the court at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, the College honored the two greatest coaches in the history of its storied men’s basketball program in ceremonies on January 6.

Prior to the Friars’ BIG EAST Conference game that night against Seton Hall, the College dedicated the playing surface as “Dave Gavitt Court.” At halftime, two banners were unveiled in tribute to the late Joe Mullaney ’65Hon. & ’98Hon. and to Dave Gavitt ’89Hon.—the program’s winningest coaches.

Members of both families stood on the court to witness the ceremonies as the crowd of more than 10,000 stood in applause each time. Flowers were presented to Julie Gavitt, Dave’s wife, and to Jane (Washburn) Cuddy-Mullaney, the widow of Joe Mullaney, who died in March 2000.

First in all-time victories at PC, Mullaney posted a 319-164 record as head coach in stints from 1955-69 and 1981-85. He coached six All-Americans and guided the Friars to NIT Championships in 1961 and 1963.

Gavitt, who was Mullaney’s assistant for four seasons in the 1960s, coached PC from 1969-79 and accumulated a 209-84 record. Inducted last year into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, he led the Friars to eight consecutive 20-win seasons and five NCAA Tournament appearances, including the NCAA Final Four in 1973.

Three stars from Gavitt’s 1973 team—Marvin Barnes ’74, Ernie DiGregorio ’73, and Kevin Stacom ’74—helped lift a black sheet uncovering the words “Dave Gavitt Court” in the dedication ceremony before the game. The words are inscribed on the court’s two baselines.

At halftime, the crowd turned its attention to the rafters, where the banners in honor of Mullaney and Gavitt were unfurled next to the American flag.

Expressing thanks to the College, the Dominican Order, and Friar fans, Gavitt praised Mullaney as his “mentor.” He said Mullaney “gave me the opportunity to get into coaching” and was “the guy who got all of this started.”

Speaking for his family, Paul A. Mullaney ’81 noted his late father’s love of coaching and close friendship with Gavitt. “I want to thank PC on behalf of my family for this tribute to my Dad,” he concluded.

The 2006-07 Friars capped the nostalgic evening by defeating Seton Hall, 91-69.