Raised in Friartown
College retires jerseys of Billy Donovan ’87, Britt King ’86, and Bob Foley
By Brendan McGair ’03
Having one’s jersey retired is the ultimate recognition afforded to an individual associated with the Providence College basketball program, be it a student-athlete, coach, or administrator.
“Best of the best doesn’t even begin to do it justice,” said College President Rev. Kenneth R. Sicard, O.P. ’78, ’82G.
Over three days in February 2025, three worthy individuals were recognized as part of the Friar Legends Forever Jersey Retirement. Two all-time great players were celebrated — Billy Donovan ’87 and Britt King ’86 — along with the late coach Bob Foley, whose 206 wins between 1985-1996 are the most of any coach in women’s basketball history.
“They deserved to be immortalized,” Father Sicard said during a gala at the Omni Hotel in Providence on February 14. “Just think of the great student-athletes who wear the Friar uniform today, then multiply that over the decades. To be chosen from among all the great Friars is an honor that testifies to true greatness.”
Steve Napolillo ’98, vice president and director of athletics, invited Donovan and King to the stage to recap their careers.
“To be honored in this way, I owe credit to a lot of people,” said Donovan, the leading scorer on the 1987 men’s team that reached the NCAA Tournament Final Four. Donovan coached the University of Florida to two national titles before becoming coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder and now the Chicago
Bulls in the NBA.
“The relationships at Providence, they were great and lifelong types of relationships,” said King, the women’s all-time leading rebounder who coached at the collegiate level and now is assistant athletic director for inclusive excellence at Bryant University.
Donovan was honored at halftime of the Friars game against Villanova on February 15. Surrounded by former teammates, he looked to the rafters of the Amica Mutual Pavilion and saw his number 34 hanging alongside the fellow greats in PC men’s basketball history.
“I’m so grateful and humbled. You don’t come here thinking that something like that is going to happen later in your life,” said Donovan.
King’s number 24 and a banner signifying Foley’s achievements were put on permanent display at Mullaney Gym in Alumni Hall before the February 16 women’s game against Seton Hall.
“There was surprise, then there was excitement,” King said about learning she was to be honored.
