Cougars To Retire Ray'Sean Taylor's No. 3 Jersey December 30th
EDWARDSVILLE – SIUE men's basketball's all-time leading scorer, Ray'Sean Taylor, will see his number three jersey hang from the rafters. SIUE will retire his jersey when the Cougars play host to Lindenwood to open Ohio Valley Conference play December 30 at First Community Arena.
"It means the world to me to be recognized for something I put my all into every single day," Taylor said. "There were plenty of ups and downs that made it all worth it. I tried to represent the 618, where I'm from, the right way every time I stepped on the floor. My teammates, coaches, family, and close friends made my time something to look back on and smile about. Those people who stuck with me through the adverse times were the same people with me when we held the trophy. I look forward to being back in the arena and I'm honored that my jersey will hang in the rafters!"
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A native of Collinsville, Illinois, Taylor's stellar career spanned 2020-2025, culminating in an OVC Tournament Championship and the first March Madness appearance in school history in 2025. He scored a school-record 1,962 points and was the OVC men's basketball Player of the Year in 2025, the OVC Tournament MVP and the Conference Male Athlete of the Year, becoming the first SIUE athlete in any sport to earn the honor. Taylor also is SIUE's all-time three-point leader with 298 made in his career, second all-time in free throws made with 388, third in field goals (654), second in steals (183) and third in assists (380). He played 120 games, which ranks fifth most all-time.
Taylor, who is playing professionally in France, will be on hand for the ceremony which will take place prior to the 8 p.m. tipoff of the men's game against the Lions.
"Having Ray'Sean Taylor's jersey retired is special not only because he is the greatest player to ever play here, but because of who he is," SIUE men's basketball Head Coach Brian Barone said. "Ray was part of making SIUE a champion. He believed in himself and he believed that great things could happen here when not many could see it. That's what makes his time at SIUE special. He is an outstanding person, student, and representative of this university and community. I was honored to coach him and even prouder to know him. He is family to me. This will always be his home, and we're proud to see his number raised and his legacy live on."
More than just a successful player on the court, Taylor earned a bachelor's of psychology in 2024 and a master's in kinesiology and sport psychology in 2025 during his time at SIUE.
"Ray'Sean Taylor is the epitome of a student-athlete that deserves this honor," Vice Chancellor / Director of Athletics Andrew Gavin said. "In times of adversity, he displayed inspiring resilience. In an era of college basketball known for disloyalty, he committed with
unwavering loyalty. In the quiet moments behind the scenes, he provided character and leadership. And on the biggest stages of competition, he performed with the brilliance of a champion. We are honored to recognize Ray'Sean Taylor and hang his #3 jersey in the rafters."
The only way to guarantee your ticket to the December 30 game and ceremony is with a season ticket. Season tickets are on sale now and may be purchased online here.
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