Former BYU Great Danny Ainge Cheers on Cougars

Ainge's Retired Jersey Honored

Heart-Stopping Finish Recalled

Former BYU great Danny Ainge thrilled fans Saturday when he appeared at the Marriott Center to see members of the Cougars' 1981 team recognized. Ainge, whose retired No. 22 jersey hangs in the rafters of the arena, told reporters that he still vividly remembers driving the length of the floor and scoring the game-winning basket to upset Notre Dame in the NCAA Tournament that year.

"It was one of the most exciting moments of my career," Ainge said. "The crowd was going crazy, and I knew that I had to make that shot." Ainge's game-winning play helped BYU reach the Elite Eight that season, and he went on to have a successful NBA career with the Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, and Utah Jazz.