Wheeling University Retires Highsmith’s No. 24 Jersey
Kim North Trending
WHEELING - Former Wheeling University men's basketball player Haywood Highsmith isn't a real outspoken guy, but Saturday he was nearly speechless when a banner with his name and jersey number No. 24 was unfurled from the rafters inside the Alma Grace McDonough Center.
"Once I saw it (the banner), it was words that I can't describe," Highsmith said after the ceremony, which was attended by 15-or-so former teammates. "It was pretty neat."
During his brief speech, Highsmith thanked several people for his development at then-Wheeling Jesuit University, but gave the most plaudits to former head coach Danny Sancomb, calling him a "second dad" figure in his life.
"I loved playing for Coach Sancomb, even though there were times when I wanted to fight him," Highsmith said. "He was very instrumental in my development, both as a player and a person, during my days in Wheeling."
Highsmith also received a framed No. 24 jersey during the event which took place between games of a women's-men's doubleheader between Wheeling and Frostburg State.
"I am so happy for Haywood," Sancomb said. "He was fun to coach. He worked hard every day and only cared about winning. He was a great teammate and I think that shows with all of those who came here today. He will always be a winner."
Highsmith played for the Cardinals from 2014-18, scoring 1,952 career points and grabbing a still-program record 1,250 rebounds. He helped lead Wheeling to its first-ever Mountain East Conference championship during his final season.
The 6-5, 220-pound Highsmith's journey following his graduation from Wheeling took a long and winding road until he reached the ultimate goal - the NBA.
After going undrafted, Highsmith started his professional career in October of 2018 with the NBA's G-League as a member of the Delaware Blue Coats. He would make his NBA debut late that season, playing in five games for the Philadelphia 76ers. He returned to the Blue Coats for the 2019-20 season and, after COVID shut down everything, he traveled overseas to play for the Crailsheim Merlins. He saw action in 23 games in Basketball Bundesliga.
He signed a series of 10-day contracts with Miami in 2021-22 when the Heat were dealing with players in COVID protocol. Appearing in 19 games - on start - he showed his versatility as a role player that the Heat eventually signed him to a three-year contract. During the 2022-2023 season, Highsmith has worked his way into the starting lineup and averaged 4.4 points and 3.5 rebounds in 54 games, of which 11 were starts.
The Baltimore, Md., native appeared in 18 playoff games when the Heat lost to the Denver Nuggets in the NBA finals in five games. In the first game of the championship series in Denver, Highsmith matched his career high of 18 points, alongside two rebounds and two steals, in a 104-93 loss.
"Wheeling University takes great pride in its rich history, and only a few names have shone brighter than Haywood Highsmith," Wheeling University President Ginny Favede said. "Wheeling is deeply honored to permanently enshrine his legacy in our basketball program by retiring his No. 24 jersey. Haywood's dedication, talent and unwavering spirit embody the very values we hold dear. His enduring legacy of excellence, resilience, and unwavering commitment will forever inspire future generations of Cardinals."
Maybe current head coach of the Cardinals, Chris Richardson, said it best. "There have been many players who played at Wheeling, but only one has made it to the NBA. That is Haywood Highsmith."