PC To Honor Jimmy Walker, Ernie DiGregorio and Marvin Barnes

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• published: 12 Dec 2007
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Providence College will honor three of its greatest men's basketball players ever on Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 8, 2008. On Saturday, March 8, Providence College will honor Jimmy Walker `67, Ernie DiGregorio `73 and Marvin Barnes `74, at halftime of the Friar men's basketball game versus Villanova at the Dunkin' Donuts Center. To acknowledge their accomplishments, the College will unveil banners with the names and numbers of the three legends. On Friday, March 7, the College will tip off the weekend with a dinner at the Westin Hotel to recognize Walker, DiGregorio and Barnes. To help the College honor Walker, DiGregorio and Barnes and recognize the tradition that they helped establish, all former Friar men's basketball player will be invited to attend the game and participate in the ceremony. Walker, who ranks second all-time in scoring at the College, recorded 2,045 points in just three seasons of action. He was a three-time All-American, who still is the only player from a New England college to be selected No. 1 in the NBA Draft. In 1967, Walker held the distinct honor of being the only Friar to ever lead the nation in scoirng as he averged 30.4 ppg. He played nine seasons of professional basketball, averaging 16.7 ppg. Walker, who passed away on July 2, will be represented by his family. DiGregorio is the team's all-time assist leader (267 assists) and one of the top scorers (eighth, 1760 points) in PC history. He was a three-time All-American and a Lapchick Award winner as the nation's most outstanding senior. He also was the NCAA East Regional MVP and the only Providence player to be named to the NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team when he led the Friars to the Final Four in 1973. That same year, he was the third selection in the NBA Draft. He went on to earn the NBA's Rookie of the Year honor with the Buffalo Braves. Barnes was the team MVP in the Friars' 1973 Final Four season. In 1974, he led the nation in rebounding as he averaged 19.03 rebounds per game. He is still ranks as the Friars' all-time rebounding and blocked shots leader. He registered 1,592 boards (17.89 rpg) and 363 blocked shots (4.08 bpg). Barnes also was a prolific scorer. He ranks fifth all-time in scoring at Providence, recording 1,839 points (20.7 ppg). Barnes was the second pick in the 1974 ABA Draft. After two years in the ABA, he spent four seasons in the NBA. Fans interested in attending the game can purchase tickets by calling the PC ticket office at 401-865-GO PC. Any fans that wish to purchase tickets to the March 7 dinner at the Westin should call Jen Cote at 401-865-1880.