Longwood University Athletics

FARMVILLE, Va. – In a tribute to one of the university's most distinguished alumni and the namesake of Longwood's home court in Willett Hall, Longwood University will honor the memory of former All-American and 17-year NBA veteran Jerome Kersey during this Saturday's men's basketball home finale against High Point.
 
"Jerome Kersey Game Day" will also raise funds for the Jerome Kersey '84 Men's Basketball Scholarship Fund, with fans able to contribute through direct donations or with the purchase of a commemorative "JK54" t-shirt on sale at the event. That scholarship, which was founded in 2017 through a $25,000 donation from Kersey's long-time friend and fellow Longwood alumnus Kevin Brandon '82 and Brandon's wife, Rhonda, will be awarded annually to a men's basketball player who embodies Kersey's drive and dedication both on the hardwood and in the classroom.
 
"Jerome's legacy at Longwood is obvious to anybody who has ever attended a game in Willett Hall, but he was so much more than just an athlete," said athletics director Michelle Meadows. "Those that knew him speak of his smile, his heart, and a work ethic that most frequently showed itself on the court but also permeated every aspect of his life.
 
"Simply put, Jerome embodied the ideals of Longwood, and it's fitting that a scholarship in his name to honor those ideals now exists. We're looking forward to being able to honor Jerome this Saturday, as well as his friends and fellow Longwood alumni who will be returning to campus to celebrate with us."
 
Also planned for Saturday's festivities will be a special halftime recognition of Kersey that will include words from Kersey's former Longwood teammate, Mitch Walker '84. Walker will be one of several Lancers coming back to campus Saturday to celebrate Kersey's legacy and will take center stage of Jerome Kersey Court at halftime.

Following his standout basketball career at Longwood, Kersey was drafted into the National Basketball Association by the Portland Trail Blazers and played the first 11 seasons of his professional career with the franchise. Earning the nickname Jerome "No Mercy" Kersey, he reached the NBA title game three times, including twice with Portland, and went on to win the NBA Championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 1999. He returned to Longwood to complete his degree in 2006, and three years later addressed Longwood's graduates as the 2009 commencement speaker.

A native of Clarksville, Va., and a product of Bluestone High School, Kersey was a unanimous selection to Longwood's inaugural Hall of Fame class in 2005. He passed away on Feb. 18, 2015, at the age of 52. On Dec. 2, 2016, Longwood named its home court in Willett Hall "Jerome Kersey Court" in his honor.
 
Tickets for Saturday's game are available at www.LongwoodTickets.com. Fans can also make a donation to the Jerome Kersey Scholarship Fund at https://give.longwood.edu/ by designating "Jerome Kersey Scholarship" with the gift.
 
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