LOUISVILLE, Ky. — With a heartfelt ceremony during halftime at Saturday's home game, the University of Louisville men's basketball program officially retired All-American guard Russ Smith's No. 2 jersey.

What You Need To Know

  • UofL retired the No. 2 jersey of Russ Smith on Friday

  • Former teammates and head coach Rick Pitino gave recorded tributes to Smith at the ceremony

  • Nicknamed "Russdiculous" by Pitino, Smith is the only Cardinal in history with at least 1,800 career points, 350 assists and 250 steals

  • Darrell Griffith, better known as "Dr. Dunkenstein," handed Smith his commemorative jersey 

"Russdiculous" joins an elite group of four other Cardinals who've had their numbers retired in the men's basketball program. Smith joins No. 8 Charlie Tyra, No. 31 Wes Unseld, No. 35 Darrell Griffith and No. 42 Pervis Ellison. After this season, no one will wear the number two. Sophomore Sam Bearden has the number now. 

UofL played a montage of Smith's highlights from his time with the Cardinals before unveiling his banner in the rafters. His famous game-winner against Cincinnati preceeded tributes from former teammates and even former head coach Rick Pitino.

His nickname coined by former UofL Coach Rick Pitino, Smith is the only Cardinal in history with at least 1,800 career points, 350 assists and 250 steals. He is UofL's all-time steals leader with 257, is fifth in career scoring with 1,908 points, second in career free throws made with 488 and is tied for ninth in career three-pointers with 180.

Darrell "Dr. Dunkenstein" Griffith hugs Russ Smith as he hands Smith his No. 2 jersey. (Spectrum News 1/Deborah Harbsmeier)

"I don't think I've ever laughed as much in coaching a player, I don't think I've ever cried as much in coaching a player, and certainly I don't think I could ever love a player any more than I love you," Pitino said in his recorded tribute. "Congratulations, son. You're something special."

The 6-0 guard from Brooklyn, New York was a part of the second-most successful four-year period in Cardinals' basketball history, helping Louisville win 121 games from 2010-14 (121-31, .796). He helped the Cardinals reach two NCAA Final Fours, two Big East Tournament Championships and one with the American Athletic Conference, two regular season co-conference titles (one Big East, one American), three straight NCAA Sweet 16 appearances and the 2013 national title (later vacated).

Russ Smith is joined by family and friends as his jersey is unveiled in the rafters at the KFC Yum Center. (Spectrum News 1/Deborah Harbsmeier)

Smith was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft and was then traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. He played in the NBA for the Pelicans and the Memphis Grizzlies.

Smith has also played professional basketball overseas in Turkey and China. He returned stateside and played in the G League for the Iowa Energy, Delaware 87ers and currently plays for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. 

Following his collegiate career, Smith was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft with the 47th overall pick, and was subsequently traded to the New Orleans Pelicans.

He played in the NBA with New Orleans and the Memphis Grizzlies, and has played professional basketball in Turkey and China, as well as with G League teams Iowa Energy, Delaware 87ers and Fort Wayne Mad Ants, where he is currently playing.