Piscataway, N.J. - The basketball court at the historic College Ave Gym, affectionately referred to as "The Barn," was officially dedicated in honor of former Rutgers co-captain and hall of famer Jim Valvano in a ceremony on Saturday. Valvano's Rutgers teammates, his daughter Lee Ann, grandchildren and the current Scarlet Knights' basketball team were among the many attendees.

Director of Athletics Pat Hobbs and Bob Lloyd, who was Valvano's teammate and roommate before later serving as Chairman of the Board for The V Foundation for 21 years, spoke at the court dedication. A video highlighting Valvano's accomplishments with comments from Dick Vitale, Mike Krzyzewski and Steve Pikiell was played before Valvano's signature was unveiled upon the playing surface.

Valvano competed on the court and began his career as the Rutgers freshman coach upon it.

"Jim inspired millions with his approach to life and how he dealt with adversity," said Director of Athletics Pat Hobbs. "It's only fitting that the place where he began his college basketball career honor him in this way."

The recognition was announced on Dec. 4, 2015, when Rutgers Athletics and The V Foundation honored the 1966-67 men's basketball team at a dinner, with all net proceeds going to The V Foundation for Cancer Research.

Lloyd and Valvano both exceeded 1,000 career points and were inducted into the Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame. A mural depicting the basketball inductees adorns the walls of the RAC lobby. The mural is "In Memory of James Valvano" and is "Given by roommate, teammate and friend Bob Lloyd." Jimmy V's signature phrase, "Don't give up. Don't ever give up," which was uttered during his unforgettable 1993 ESPY speech, is prominent. The most recent men's basketball inductee is Dick Lloyd, Bob's brother, who served as an assistant coach on the 1966-67 squad under head coach Bill Foster.

The 1966-67 Rutgers men's basketball team posted a 22-7 record and placed third in the National Invitation Tournament. Seventeen of the team's wins were y double digits. Lloyd and Valvano formed the backcourt, with Lloyd becoming the Scarlet Knights' first consensus All-American that season en route to having his jersey retired with 2,045 career points. Known as "Mr. Defense," Valvano scored 1,122 points before beginning his career as an assistant and freshman coach at Rutgers.

The entire Rutgers University Class of 1967, which is celebrating its 50th reunion, was invited to the court dedication, as was all men's basketball donors and season ticket holders. The event was open to the public as part of Rutgers Day festivities.