News Summary
The UNC Asheville community celebrated the legacy of basketball icon Josh Pittman with a jersey retirement ceremony on February 15, 2025. Pittman, a standout player from 1994 to 1998, was known for his record achievements, including being the first player in university history to win back-to-back Big South Player of the Year honors. His contributions on and off the court have left a lasting impact, making this ceremony a significant milestone for the university’s athletics.
UNC Asheville Honors Josh Pittman with Jersey Retirement Ceremony
On a special evening in Asheville, North Carolina, the university community came together to celebrate the incredible legacy of basketball star Josh Pittman. The atmosphere was electric as the university retired Pittman’s iconic No. 4 jersey on February 15, 2025, during halftime between the women’s and men’s basketball games. This moment was long overdue for a player whose impact on the program is still felt today.
Remembering a Bulldog Legend
Josh Pittman was a force to be reckoned with during his time at UNC Asheville from 1994 to 1998. Under the mentorship of coach Eddie Biedenbach, he defined excellence and ambition on the court. Biedenbach, who coached the team for nearly 17 years, reflected on Pittman as not just a remarkable player but also a generous leader. After all, Pittman’s prowess was evident from his freshman year, where he quickly became a fan favorite.
Pittman’s extraordinary achievements include being named the Big South Player of the Year back-to-back in 1997 and 1998—an honor that made him the first player in UNC Asheville’s history to achieve this feat. This accolade wasn’t just a one-off; he is among only two players in the Big South Conference to secure consecutive Player of the Year awards. When he hung up his jersey, he left a whopping 1,547 points to his name, making him the third all-time leading scorer in the university’s history and the leading scorer from Division I play.
Records and Triumphs
Pittman’s jersey now adds to the rich history of UNC Asheville’s basketball legacy, especially considering he holds the program record for steals with 175, ranking fifth all-time. His on-court skills not only influenced his personal accolades but also paved the way for team victories. Pittman played an instrumental role in leading UNC Asheville to capture its first-ever Big South Conference regular-season titles in both 1997 and 1998.
In an unexpected twist during the 1997 season, the Bulldogs were predicted to finish sixth in the conference. However, they came out in style, finishing first with an 18-10 record, defeating a formidable South Carolina team that had later gone on to win the SEC. The determination showcased by both Pittman and the Bulldogs left a mark in the hearts of fans and the community alike.
During his final season in 1998, Pittman led the Big South in scoring with an average of 18.4 points per game, demonstrating both finesse and athleticism. Remarkably, he achieved a .500 shooting percentage from the field, contributing significantly to the Bulldogs’ impressive 24-4 record in conference play. It’s no wonder he was a first-team all-conference performer in his last two years and also earned spots on the Big South All-Tournament team two times.
From College to Professional Fame
Pittman’s contributions didn’t stop at college basketball. In 2010, he was inducted into the UNC Asheville Athletics Hall of Fame and the Big South Hall of Fame in the same year, solidifying his impact on the game. After graduating in 1998, he became the first UNC Asheville player invited to the prestigious Portsmouth Invitational and even received an invitation to the Los Angeles Lakers’ training camp. Unfortunately, the 1998 NBA lockout meant he couldn’t attend.
Following his college career, he spent an impressive 17 years playing professionally in Europe and South America, where he was recognized as league MVP three times. Some of his greatest moments were making thrilling SportsCenter highlight reels, one memorable instance being when he dunked on Arizona’s Miles Simon.
A Well-Deserved Honor
As UNC Asheville’s community gathered to honor Josh Pittman, Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone commented on the significance of retiring a player’s number. The ceremony was not just about the past, but also a reminder of the incredible bond that sports create within communities.
Josh Pittman’s No. 4 jersey will now hang proudly in the rafters, a testament to his talent, tenacity, and the unforgettable memories he created. His legacy as a Bulldog will continue to inspire both current and future generations of players, reminding them of what it means to wear that jersey with pride.
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Additional Resources
- UNC Asheville to Retire Josh Pittman’s No. 4 Jersey
- UNC Asheville Retires Pittman’s Jersey
- Drew Pember Named Big South Player of the Year
- Google Search: Josh Pittman UNC Asheville
- Drew Pember Receives Invitation to Portsmouth Invitational Tournament
- Wikipedia: UNC Asheville
