LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Evangelos “Vangelis” Zougris is a promising addition to Louisville basketball, but a recent graphic from the program may have placed a bit too much weight on his shoulders.
A photoshopped image promoting Zougris’ signing showed him in a Louisville jersey wearing No. 35 — the same number worn by Cardinal legend Darrell Griffith. That number has been retired and hasn’t been issued since Griffith’s Hall of Fame career.
The graphic raised eyebrows among fans, some of whom contacted WDRB for clarification. Louisville basketball spokesperson Dana Brown confirmed that Zougris will not wear the retired number.
Zougris, who has worn No. 35 in some previous seasons, officially signed with the Cardinals on Monday, with head coach Pat Kelsey praising his “grit, relentless motor, and unbridled passion on every possession.”
Griffith’s number was retired in 1980, shortly after he led the Cardinals to their first NCAA championship. The Louisville native was a first-team All-American and winner of the John Wooden Award. His red road jersey from that season is on display at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
