"Without heroes, we are all plain people and don't know how far we can go." --Bernard Malamud in "The Natural"
Darnell Valentine was my childhood hero; I idolized everything about the former Jayhawk star. I shot free throws using his distinctive style and wore my socks high like him. When Darnell played for Portland in the NBA, I bought my beloved dog Snoopy Trailblazer dog food. I used to work out at home gaining motivation by looking at a framed picture of Darnell leading a fast break with Portland. Just when I thought I couldn’t run in place anymore, I focused even more on the picture and kept on running, kept on sweating, kept on persevering. I ran even faster, lifted my legs even higher, doing this all for Darnell. I admired his unwavering work ethic so much, and wanted to be just like him.
In this blog entry, I look back at a historic moment with his jersey retirement ceremony in Allen Fieldouse 12 years ago, when Valentine took his rightful place among the Jayhawk greats to have his No. 14 jersey unfurled from the hallowed rafters in the Phog.
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It was halftime of the thrilling Kansas-Georgia Tech game in Allen Fieldhouse on Jan. 1, 2005, as the resounding cheers and memories all came racing back for Darnell Valentine.
Dressed stylishly in a maroon suit, white shirt and glasses and still looking extremely physically fit — “I’m still playing weight, baby,” he told a small group of reporters earlier that day — Valentine stood at midcourt flanked by his former KU head coach Ted Owens and assistant Lafayette Norwood.
And then it happened. At 2:34 p.m., Valentine’s No. 14 jersey was retired and unfurled from the rafters. The crowd roared in approval while Valentine got chills and flashed a broad smile. After composing himself, he took the microphone and addressed the crimson and blue faithful while speaking from the heart.
“This is such an overwhelming ceremony and opportunity for me,” said Valentine, who starred at KU from 1977-1981. “I'm so proud; I'm so honored. My wife, Cindy, my daughter, Tierra, we are so proud. This has just been a 24-year fulfillment of my desire to be up there among some of the greats of Kansas basketball. First, I'd like to acknowledge our heavenly Father for giving me the gift of basketball. Also, for surrounding me with love and support to allow me to accomplish the things I was able to accomplish. My mother, she instilled in me to always try to leave a place better then I found it. She would be pleased today. Lafayette Norwood and Mrs. Betty Norwood, my adopted parents — I don’t know if they adopted me, or if I just tried to grab a leg and hold on. He’s certainly given me a life full of lessons and guidance, and I’m just honored to have him here with me as well.
“Coach Ted Owens' 19-year career here at the University of Kansas, and he allowed me to be part of this program and to give me a platform to play and surround me with players that complemented me. Thank you coach. My teammates, oh man, I had some great teammates. I’m so proud that I've been able to go forward and represent them, because without them — team, the acronym 'Together, Everyone Accomplishes More" — I think that epitomizes the unity that we had.
“Also, I'd like to acknowledge a gentleman that certainly has touched this community in a way that no person ever has, Mr. Bob Billings. He exemplified kindness, generosity, and character — what a great man. Also, I’d like to acknowledge Jamie Coulter, who played a big role in me coming here to the University of Kansas, and without the tireless efforts of Mr. Bemie Morgan, we might not be having this ceremony today. Thank you, Bernie.
“I hope that as you come to Allen Fieldhouse, and you young people, I’m going to give a shout out to you guys as well. As you come into Allen Fieldhouse, I hope that these jerseys up here will inspire you to in the tradition of Kansas, to pursue excellence, because it’s so short lived. It’s an opportunity for you to really define yourself. I had the opportunity here at the University of Kansas to have the springboard to allow me to have a lifestyle and life that I have. You guys take advantage of this. I challenge you to leave this place better than you found it.
“Rock Chalk, Jayhawks!
The packed crowd of 16,300 cheered again — even louder this time. It was a wonderful and heartfelt ovation for a man and player who accomplished so much during his collegiate career. KU’s first McDonald’s All-American from powerhouse Wichita Heights, Valentine is the lone Jayhawk to be named first-team All-Conference four times and the only KU player to be selected as a three-time Academic All-American (1979, ‘80 and ‘81).
Valentine, who was named an All-American on the hardwood after his senior season in 1981, is one of just three Kansas players to earn All-American honors both on the floor and academically.
“He was a complete person,” Owens said. “He did it all.”
Blessed with great instincts and extremely quick hands and feet, Valentine was arguably the greatest defensive guard to wear a KU uniform. He still holds the school record for career steals with 336, while ranking first in free throws made with 541. A deadly penetrator who could blow by opponents at will, Valentine is also fifth in career scoring with 1,821 points. In addition, D.V. was a four-time team MVP and ranks fifth on the career assist list with 609.
Valentine started from day one, leading the 1977-78 team his freshman year to a 24-5 season and Big Eight championship. After Kansas went 18-11 his sophomore year before stumbling with a 15-14 record as a junior, Valentine guided the Jayhawks to a 24-8 record his senior season, a Big 8 Tournament championship, and a Sweet 16 finish.
It was, quite simply, a career he will never forget. He remains grateful for his decision to attend Kansas over North Carolina and legendary coach Dean Smith. Valentine’s decision was clinched when Owens named Norwood — his high school coach — an assistant at Kansas.
“It’s something that I’ve never looked back on,” Valentine said before the Georgia Tech game. “I’m 300 percent sure that it was the right decision for me.”
Owens remarked that day it was a joy to coach Valentine. He considers Valentine as perhaps the hardest worker he’s ever coached.
“He wasn’t good by accident,” Owens said. “He was good because he worked at it every single day. Just the opportunity to work with someone with that kind of attitude really was a highlight.”
And No. 14 honored his mother’s wish by leaving Kansas “better than I found it.” The Jayhawks went two seasons without an NCAA berth before Valentine arrived in 1977 and lifted KU back to national prominence. Of course, KU has continued its basketball excellence with reaching phenomenal heights ever since.
“They went on to win the championship since I (was there); they’re still highly touted as a program, and the leadership that they brought in with Larry Brown, Roy Williams, Bill Self, it’s just spectacular,” Valentine said. “I think I did my role.”
Did he ever.
Whatever more he accomplishes, Valentine will always cherish New Year’s Day, 2005 when he realized a longtime dream with his jersey retired alongside the other KU legends in the hallowed rafters of Allen Fieldhouse.
“This is the crowning of my adult life right now,” he said with a big smile that afternoon before his jersey retirement.
Then moments after he spoke to the crowd at halftime, Valentine stood near the north goal and continued to soak in the moment.
“I’m looking at 13, that’s Wilt Chamberlain (jersey number in the rafters). I’m looking at 14, that’s me, and I’m looking at 15, that’s Jo Jo White,” Valentine said. “That is just a crowning moment, amongst the great players of all at Kansas, that No. 14 is there. My family and I, we’re very proud.”
Owens certainly was that magical and memorable day.
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