Former Bulls player and exec Billy McKinney gets his jersey retired by Northwestern

Billy became the first Wildcat alum to have his jersey retired by the university

© David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Former Chicago Bulls guard Billy McKinney saw his No. 30 jersey retired by Northwestern University on Saturday. He became the first student-athlete in the school’s 173-year existence to have his number retired.

Congratulations to former Bull Billy McKinney, the first player in Northwestern history to have their jersey retired. Well deserved, Billy! https://t.co/sKEcJpiZrC

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 3, 2024

Wildcats legend

McKinney was joined by his family, friends, and school officials as his jersey was raised to the rafters of Welsh-Ryan Arena during halftime of the Wildcats’ matchup with the Iowa Hawkeyes.

McKinney played for the Wildcats from 1973 to 1977, during which he finished as Northwestern's all-time leading scorer with 1,900 points, holding the record for 35 years. During his senior year for the team, he was named a member of the First-team All-Big Ten in 1976-77 upon averaging 20.6 points, 2.8 boards, and 2.6 assists.

"I've been trying to think of something profound to say. It's just awesome," McKinney said. "It's a tremendous way to be recognized... something that I've never thought about. And for it to happen now, at this stage in my life... when I can really appreciate it and understand the magnitude of what it means... it's surreal.”

Remembering The Crazed Hummingbird as a Bull

McKinney only played in six NBA seasons — his last being in the Chicago Bulls from 1985-86. And while he isn't a household name amongst the majority of the Chi-town fans, his impact extends beyond anyone can think of as a former member of the franchise's front office.

Shortly upon hitting retirement, Billy was immediately tapped by then-Chicago general manager Jerry Krause to serve as one of the team's assistant coaches and basketball scouts. He ultimately became the first African-American executive in Bulls history and was instrumental in the team's discovery and selection of Central Arkansas sensation Scottie Pippen for the 1987 NBA Draft.

"I went down to watch Scottie play a game against Arkadelphia State, and when I came back, I told Jerry 'this is definitely a guy that you have to see,'" he said.

From that point, the rest was just history for both Pippen and the Bulls, and that was all thanks to McKinney.

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