KU basketball retires jersey of Bill ‘Skinny’ Johnson

23 January 2024

LAWRENCE (KSNT) – The Jayhawks have another number hanging in the rafters of Allen Fieldhouse.

At halftime of KU’s game against Cincinnati on Monday, KU men’s basketball retired the jersey No. 33, in honor of the late Bill ‘Skinny’ Johnson. Johnson was an All-American for the ‘Hawks in 1933 and helped lead Kansas to three-straight Big Six League titles.

The Johnson family has continued to support KU Athletics in a number of ways, even after the passing of the Jayhawk legend.

“It’s in our soul,” Bill Johnson Jr., told 27 News. “We owe Kansas for most of our lives… We feel it’s a special place.”

Johnson’s jersey was unveiled in the rafters at halftime on Monday night. 18 of his family members gathered at center court to be recognized.

Need help?

If you need support, please send an email to [email protected].

Thank you.