The greatest basketball player in McNeese State history will be forever linked to the program.

Hall of Famer Joe Dumars, who starred for the Cowboys from 1981-85, will have the Legacy Center court named for him by the university.

The ceremony will take place between games Jan. 5 when the Cowboys and Cowgirls host Northwestern State in the Southland Conference home opener as part of Joe Dumars Day.

“I can’t put into words how excited I am,” McNeese Athletic Director Heath Schroyer said in a school news release. “Joe and I have developed a great relationship over the last few years and it’s truly an honor to be able to do this, not only for Joe but for our fans, community and university.

“Joe is by far the most accomplished basketball player to ever come out of McNeese. However, Joe is more than just an athlete. He’s a leader, a pioneer and has accomplished so much in his professional and personal life. A class act in every way.”

Dumars, the first-round pick of the Detroit Pistons in 1985 and 18th overall, played 14 years for the NBA club. He was part of two championship teams as the Pistons won back-to-back titles in 1989 and 1990.

“It’s such an honor to come back to Lake Charles for this ceremony,” Dumars said in the news release. “McNeese has always been a special place for me.”

The naming of the court, Schroyer said, is part of his plan to bring traditions and names back into the McNeese fold.

“It is important for our fans, our players and our university that we connect and learn our history,” Schroyer said. “It is important for our future to remember the past.”

While a Cowboy, Dumars averaged 22.5 points a game, including 25.8 his senior season. That was good for sixth in the nation. He finished his college career the 11th leading scorer in NCAA history.

“This is great for our school and for Joe, to recognize all he has accomplished in basketball both at McNeese and after,” said Cowboys men’s basketball coach John Aiken. “The fact that students and fans for years to come will be able to see his name on the floor and to give him credit for what he meant to McNeese. It is a tribute well deserved.”

In the NBA Dumars was a six-time all-star and the Finals MVP when the Pistons swept past the Lakers in four games to win the first of consecutive titles.

Dumars was considered a defensive wizard in the NBA and was known for his battles with the Chicago Bulls’ Michael Jordan.

He finished his career with 16,401 points, 4,612 assists, 2,203 rebounds and 902 steals.

The Pistons retired Dumars’ No. 4 in the spring of 2000. McNeese had done the same earlier.

Since then he has become a top executive both with Detroit and the league.

On May 2 he was named the Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations of the NBA.

“The naming of our court will allow future generations to know and understand the positive example Joe made to so many,” Schroyer said. “I count be more excited and honored to be the one to do this.”

Dumars was inducted to the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2006, the McNeese Sports Hall of Fame in 2003 and the SLC Hall of Honor in 2009.