VILLANOVA, Pa. – In the 100^th season of Villanova Basketball, two more Wildcats will soon join the illustrious legends with retired jerseys. Former Wildcats guards Kyle Lowry (2004-06) and Ryan Arcidiacono (2012-16) will have their jerseys retired in separate ceremonies at Villanova home games in February.
 
Lowry, a Philadelphia native who helped spark the Wildcats to 52 victories and two deep NCAA Tournament runs, will have his No. 1 retired at halftime when Villanova hosts St. John's at Finneran Pavilion on Feb. 26.
 
Arcidiacono, a Langhorne, Pa., product who was a four-year captain and cornerstone of the 2016 NCAA national championship team, will see his No. 15 retired when Marquette comes to Finneran Pavilion on Feb. 12.
 
"This is a great opportunity for the entire Villanova family to honor two outstanding players and lifelong members of our community," stated head coach Jay Wright.
 
"Kyle brought a toughness to our program that everyone has had to live up to in the years since. We're so proud of all his basketball accomplishments, but mostly the man, father and husband that he's become."
 
In 2018-19 Lowry helped lead the Toronto Raptors to the National Basketball Association title. He is a five-time NBA All-Star and earned an Olympic gold medal representing the United States in 2016. At Villanova he was named 2005 Philadelphia Big Five Rookie of the Year after missing the season's first seven games after tearing a knee ligament in August of 2004. As a sophomore, he was a second team All-BIG EAST choice and in his two seasons the Wildcats were 5-2 in NCAA Tournament play, advancing to the 2005 NCAA Sweet 16 and the 2006 NCAA Elite Eight.
 
"Ryan watched Kyle play and learned from him," stated Wright. "He became one of the great Villanova leaders of all-time. His tenacity, intelligence and charisma set an example for all the Villanova guards who followed him."
 
Arcidiacono, now a member of the Chicago Bulls, was a four-year starter who helped lift the Wildcats back to the NCAA Tournament as a freshman in 2012-13. In his four years as a starter, the Wildcats won 117 games, and BIG EAST titles in 2014-16. As a junior, he was named co-BIG EAST Player of the Year. He stands fourth on the Wildcats' all-time assist list (535), with his final pass finding Kris Jenkins for the game-winner in a 77-74 NCAA championship game victory over North Carolina in 2016 at Houston's NRG Stadium.
 
With the addition of Lowry and Arcidiacono, the men's basketball program will have now retired 23 former jerseys, including 18 players, three coaches and long-time trainer Jake Nevin. A plaque in the lobby of Finneran Pavilion recognizes each honoree, while the jersey number remains in circulation. The one exception is the No. 11 worn by Paul Arizin (1947-50).
 
Last month, Villanova retired the jerseys of Jim Washington (1962-65) and Allan Ray (2002-06) during halftime of its win over Kansas.
 
The 2019-20 season – Villanova's 100^th college basketball campaign – is presented by Hartford Funds and Coca-Cola.