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Insides As One of Xavier’s All-Time Greats Finally Gets His Due Amid Number Retirement

September 25, 2024 Nero Scofield

Tu Holloway to have his number retired

The concept of “clutch” often sparks debate among sports fans. Is there really such a thing as a clutch player, or do they simply perform at their typical level when the sample size is large enough? This discussion has been particularly prominent in baseball. However, there’s at least one player for whom this debate doesn’t apply.

Tu Holloway was the driving force behind Xavier during his time there. His contributions to the Musketeers go beyond what statistics can capture. The phrase “Zip Em Up,” which he originally coined, still resonates as the team’s rallying cry. Holloway also delivered the most significant press conference in the program’s history, standing firmly amidst the chaos that followed.

Check out that article! It’s difficult to encapsulate the full extent of Tu’s heroics in just one piece. He has certainly earned his place in the rafters. The stats alone don’t tell the whole story. Holloway was more of a force of nature than just another player. According to the program:

Graduating in 2012, Holloway built a reputation as an exceptional clutch player and a winner, leading Xavier to four NCAA Tournament appearances, including three trips to the Sweet 16. During his four years, the team averaged 25 wins, with an impressive overall record of 100-38 (.725). He was also part of three Atlantic 10 Conference Regular Season Championship teams.

Holloway left a lasting legacy in the Xavier record books, ranking seventh in all-time scoring with 1,833 points, third in assists with 550, and first in career free-throw percentage at 85.2%. He recorded two triple-doubles as a junior and was just one rebound short of a third—making him the only player in XU history with multiple triple-doubles.

His accolades are impressive: he was named a Third Team All-American by the Associated Press, Sporting News, Basketball Times, SI.com, CBSSports.com, and FOXSports.com in 2011. Additionally, Holloway earned Atlantic 10 Conference Player of the Year honors, was placed on the A-10 All-Defensive Team, and secured a spot on the A-10 First Team as a senior, along with two consecutive selections to the A-10 All-Championship Team. He also made the Lute Olson All-American Team (CollegeInsider.com) and the NABC District 4 First Team during his last two seasons.

As of now, a date for Tu’s ceremony has yet to be announced, but there’s no doubt that he holds a significant place in the hearts of this generation of fans. This honor is well-deserved and will surely draw a large crowd.

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