The 1986-87 PC men’s basketball season—which culminated in a trip to the NCAA Final Four—didn’t go by in an eye blink.

It just seemed that way to Jacek Duda ’87, a center who immigrated to the United States from Poland in 1982.

“The time was like a blur,” recalled Duda, who also played for the Polish National Team. “I remember starting the school year and being in the gym working out. Then you found yourself somewhere [the Final Four] where you never expected to be. But you remember all the work you did and what you achieved. It’s something you’ll never forget.”

Duda, who will attend the 20th anniversary gala for the team at the Rhode Island Convention Center on May 12, played in 34 games during the 1986-87 season and averaged 3.4 points and 3.4 rebounds. He also blocked 13 shots.

After graduating from PC, he played professionally in Germany for 11 years. He credits the “rigorous” practices held by Friar Head Coach Rick Pitino with enabling him to be a starter.

After retiring in 1998, Duda returned to America with his wife, Anne, and their two children. He’s been employed since then at Textron Financial Corporation in Providence.
Ironically, his Friar career helped him cut through red tape and expedited his return.

In 1998, he was required to fill out a form at the U.S. Embassy in Frankfurt that, among other things, required proof he had lived in the United States. According to Duda, even though he had his PC transcript, an embassy official questioned his motive.

“She asked me why I was doing this and wondered what I did,” said Duda. “Then, she asked a counsel to read the form. I told him where and when I played. He said ‘I remember. I saw you on TV.’ The guy told me he was from Barrington [R.I.].”

Duda will be joined by most of his Friar teammates and coaches at the May 12 gala. All proceeds will benefit the Friar Athletic Fund. Sponsorship packages, tables of 10, and individual tickets for the event can be purchased by contacting Steve Napolillo, associate director for the Friar Athletic Fund, at 401-865-2677 or at snapolil@providence.edu.

To order tickets online, click here.