“No 1987 Banner Without Them”: The Untold Story of the Two Juco Additions Who Changed Indiana Basketball — And the Mystery Behind the Iconic Jersey Numbers…………

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“No 1987 Banner Without Them”: The Untold Story of the Two Juco Additions Who Changed Indiana Basketball — And the Mystery Behind the Iconic Jersey Numbers

The 1987 Indiana Hoosiers basketball team is remembered as one of the greatest squads in college basketball history. The crimson banner hanging in Assembly Hall commemorates their legendary NCAA championship run, a symbol of grit, talent, and unyielding team spirit. But behind that celebrated team was a lesser-known story—one of two junior college transfers whose arrival reshaped the Hoosiers’ destiny and whose jersey numbers have become the stuff of legend.

At the outset of the 1986-87 season, Indiana University faced uncertainty. The core of the team needed reinforcement, and Coach Bob Knight was hunting for players who could contribute immediately. Enter two JUCO (junior college) additions: Steve Alford and Dean Garrett. Both were underappreciated recruits who, through perseverance and skill, changed the trajectory of Indiana basketball.

Steve Alford, although already a familiar name, actually joined the program from a junior college background before becoming the team’s offensive linchpin. His sharpshooting and basketball IQ elevated Indiana’s offense at critical moments. Dean Garrett, on the other hand, was a towering presence in the paint. A defensive anchor and rebounder, Garrett’s arrival gave the Hoosiers the toughness and interior defense they desperately needed.

Together, Alford and Garrett formed a perfect complement to the team’s established stars. Their JUCO experience meant they were ready to contribute right away, bringing maturity and battle-tested skills to the squad. Without their presence, the 1987 banner may never have been raised.

But perhaps the most fascinating aspect of their legacy is the story behind their jersey numbers, which have since become iconic symbols of Indiana basketball lore. Steve Alford wore number 14—a number that now resonates with Hoosier fans as a symbol of clutch shooting and basketball intelligence. Dean Garrett sported number 42, a nod to his dominant presence on the court and a number that later inspired many big men in Indiana’s basketball lineage.

The mystery, however, lies in why these particular numbers were chosen. According to teammates and insiders, both players initially wanted different numbers but were assigned these by Coach Knight as a way to instill identity and responsibility. The numbers became a badge of honor, representing their pivotal roles on the championship team.

Over time, the significance of these numbers grew beyond simple identification. They symbolized the hard work of JUCO players stepping into the spotlight, changing the fate of a storied program. Indiana’s 1987 championship was a team effort, but it was these two additions who provided the missing pieces that made victory possible.

Today, the story of Alford and Garrett reminds fans that championships are often won not just by stars, but by those who quietly seize their opportunity. The 1987 banner hanging in Assembly Hall is not just a tribute to a championship; it’s a testament to the power of resilience, the impact of JUCO transfers, and the legacy embedded in those iconic jersey numbers.