Skoog's jersey to be retired

That'd be Whitey, not Lacy. The former Gustavus basketball coach will be honored at halftime of the Feb. 22 game between the Gophers and Northwestern at The Barn. Skoog accumulated either 287 or 289 victories — depending on whether you believe the GAC press release or its online archives — while leading the Gusties from 1957-81. He won two conference titles during that span.

He wasn't a bad player, either. This is what the Gustavus web site has to say about Skoog's playing days:

Skoog played for the Gophers from 1948-51 and is best known as one of the foremost pioneers of the jump shot. Skoog was a two-time All-American and three-time All-Big Ten selection for the Gophers. He was the 10th pick in the 1951 NBA draft and played six seasons for the Minneapolis Lakers.

Whitey also coached the GAC golf team, leading it to 17 conference titles, including 13 straight from 1981-94. Skoog was inducted into the Gustavus Hall of Fame in 1987.

To clarify, Skoog's jersey is being retired but not his number. I'm sure Michael Bauer, the last Gopher to wear Skoog's #41, appreciates that fact.

Beyond being a warm fuzzy for the Black and Gold faithful, what's this all really mean? Only this — it highlights how great Mark Hanson's coaching career has been. Skoog finished his career the most wins in school history. With little fanfare, Hanson has set a new standard (367 and counting) and it's very possible he could double up Skoog when things are said and done.

Hanson and Skoog are both expected to attend Saturday's celebration of the 100th men's basketball season in school history. Alas, Erin Andrews will not.