Alabama basketball retires jersey of Crimson Tide legend Wendell Hudson

Alabama basketball took a moment to honor a Crimson Tide legend on Saturday. Wendell Hudson’s No. 20 jersey is now a permanent fixture at Coleman Coliseum.

Houston’s retired jersey was revealed during halftime of the UA-LSU basketball game. The official Twitter account of Alabama Athletics captured and shared videos of the ceremony:

An honor like no other.
Congratulations to Wendell Hudson for being the first Alabama student athlete to have their jersey retired. #RollTide #WhereLegendsAreMade pic.twitter.com/5jin9wmdrt

— Alabama Athletics (@UA_Athletics) February 15, 2020

The first African American scholarship athlete to play at Alabama in any sport, Hudson was a member of the Crimson Tide basketball team from 1969-73. After his playing days, he coached for decades, wrapping up his career after five seasons coaching the Alabama women’s team (2008-13).

Hudson recently appeared on “The Paul Finebaum Show,” to discuss this weekend’s events and shared an amusing story about the time he shared a table with Bear Bryant:

He was Alabama’s first African-American scholarship athlete, now his jersey will be the first to hang in the rafters at Coleman Coliseum.

Thanks to Wendell Hudson for stopping by and sharing his memories as the Crimson Tide honor his trailblazing career this weekend. pic.twitter.com/hcMcLk3Jh2

— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) February 14, 2020

On a special day for Bama basketball, Nate Oats’ squad came through with a big win. The Crimson Tide topped the No. 25 Tigers 88-82 in Tuscaloosa.