Honoring Basketball Legends at Mississippi State

In 2027, two of Mississippi State’s most iconic basketball players will be officially recognized inside Humphrey Coliseum. The university recently announced that Erick Dampier and Jeff Malone will have their jerseys retired during the 2026-27 season, marking a significant milestone in the history of the program.

The announcement took place during halftime of the Bulldogs’ game against Ole Miss, a moment that coincided with alumni basketball weekend in Starkville. This event brought together players from various eras, including those who were part of the 1996 Final Four run led by Dampier. The celebration highlighted the deep-rooted legacy of Mississippi State basketball and the impact these legends have had on the program.

Erick Dampier: A Dominant Force in the Paint

Erick Dampier, a native of Monticello, was signed by former coach Richard Williams in 1993 and quickly made his mark as a standout center. Standing at 6’11”, Dampier was a three-time All-SEC selection, earning second-team honors as a freshman and first-team in his final two seasons. During his three years with the Bulldogs, the team posted a record of 66-27 and reached the Sweet 16 in 1994-95 and the school’s only Final Four in 1995-96.

Dampier remains one of the top scorers in school history with 1,231 points and is fourth in rebounds with 859. He also holds the school record for blocks with 249, a record that stood until it was surpassed by Jarvis Varnado in 2009. His career included 33 double-doubles, showcasing his all-around dominance on the court.

After his college career, Dampier was selected 10th overall in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers. He played 16 seasons in the league, representing teams such as the Pacers, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, and Atlanta Falcons. Dampier finished his professional career with over 7,000 points and 7,000 rebounds, while blocking an impressive 1,398 shots.

Since retiring, Dampier has been inducted into both the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and the Mississippi State Sports Hall of Fame. Now, his jersey will be displayed among other legendary Bulldogs at Humphrey Coliseum, further cementing his legacy.

Jeff Malone: Scoring Machine and NBA Star

Jeff Malone, a native of Macon, Georgia, arrived at Mississippi State as a high school All-American in 1979. He quickly became a key player for the Bulldogs, earning a spot on the Freshman All-SEC team in 1980. By 1983, Malone was leading the SEC in scoring, averaging 26.8 points per game—second nationally that season.

Malone is the all-time leading scorer in Mississippi State history with 2,142 points, making him one of only three players to surpass the 2,000-point mark alongside Bailey Howell and Quinndary Weatherspoon. He was drafted 10th overall in 1983 by the Washington Bullets and played 15 seasons in the NBA, also appearing with the Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat.

During his NBA career, Malone became the Bullets’ second-leading scorer of all time and the Jazz’s eighth-leading scorer. He amassed 17,231 career points and was named to the NBA’s Rookie Team in 1984. He earned two NBA All-Star selections in 1986 and 1987. Malone is also a member of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and the Mississippi State University Hall of Fame.

Joining the Legends at Humphrey Coliseum

Dampier and Malone will join a distinguished group of Mississippi State legends who have had their jerseys retired at Humphrey Coliseum. These include coach Babe McCarthy, Bailey Howell, legendary radio announcer Jack Cristil, and women’s basketball great LaToya Thomas. Their recognition underscores the rich history and tradition of Mississippi State basketball.

As the 2026-27 season approaches, fans can look forward to celebrating the legacies of Dampier and Malone in a ceremony that will honor their contributions to the program and the sport as a whole.