Ernie DiGregorio ’73, left, and Marvin Barnes ’74 share a laugh at the March 7 dinner during which their jerseys were retired.

Mike Riordan ’67, left, greets Dave Gavitt ’89Hon., former PC head coach and athletic director, at the dinner.

The jerseys of Barnes, DiGregorio, and Walker (at right) hang from the rafters of the Dunkin’ Donuts Center moments after being raised at halftime of the PC-Villanova game on March 8.

Robert G. Driscoll Jr., associate vice president for athletics and athletic director, stated that the proceeds from the banquet put the $500,000 fund-raising campaign to name the varsity weight room in the Concannon Fitness Center in Walker’s memory “over the top.” Walker died last year at the age of 63.

Plaques with an embossed replica of each player’s jersey were presented to DiGregorio, Barnes, and members of Walker’s family. Three of the greatest Friars in the program’s history, each earned All-America honors at PC and played professionally in the NBA.

Former PC Head Coach Dave Gavitt ’89Hon. presented Walker’s plaque to Mike Riordan '67, who accepted it on his teammate’s behalf.

Kevin Stacom ’74 made the presentation to DiGregorio, while Alan Baker ’74 did so for Barnes. Stacom and Baker also played for the Friars.

In addressing the audience, College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. ’80 noted the effect basketball—especially during the Walker-DiGregorio-Barnes era—has had on the school.

“It was a reminder to us of what magic basketball can bring to a college community because athletics do build community,” said Father Shanley. “Athletics when they’re working right as they were in those magical years—and still are at Providence College—make us feel a deeper sense of community.”

Driscoll introduced a video tribute from another Friar great, Lenny Wilkens ’60, who said, “This is a special time for all of you PC fans. Take pride in the history of Providence College basketball.”

Another video tribute that featured former Boston Celtics stars Sam Jones and Tom “Satch” Sanders paid honor to Walker, who grew up in Boston. Jones noted how Walker chose to wear his number, 24, and Barnes stated he chose 24 because Walker was his idol.

Driscoll ended the banquet by stating that artist Ryan Fox was commissioned to produce limited edition portraits that feature Walker, DiGregorio, and Barnes. The original painting, Driscoll said, will be displayed in the Providence College Hall of Champions in Alumni Hall.

The next night, at halftime of the PC-Villanova game at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, the three Friar greats were honored again, as banners with their names and uniform numbers were unveiled in the rafters.