Duquesne's Sincere Carry will wear Norm Nixon's No. 10 this season

Norm Nixon’s retired No. 10 jersey, which hung in the rafters of Duquesne’s Palumbo Center for nearly 19 years, is returning to action.

Duquesne sophomore point guard Sincere Carry will wear the number this season — with Nixon’s blessings — to honor his friend, Khalil “Champ” Hopson, who died in a shooting incident in May at the age of 24.

Hopson wore No. 10 as a star at Sharon High School.

“He’s the reason I got involved with basketball,” Carry said.

Carry requested permission to wear the number through coach Keith Dambrot.

“When Sin came to me, I was a little hesitant,” Dambrot said. “But then the more I thought about it, the more I realized it was for a good cause and also a way to honor one of the greatest players in Duquesne history.”

Dambrot reached out to Nixon, who granted permission to revive the jersey number and his legacy.

“Norm’s selflessness and willingness to connect with a current player from Duquesne shows you why he was a championship player and leader on the floor,” Dambrot said. “It also tells you why he has been such a successful person in private business.”

Carry understands the responsibility connected with wearing the jersey of the first Player Of The Year in Atlantic 10 history. Nixon went on to become a two-time NBA All-Star and win two championships with the Los Angeles Lakers.

“To wear the number made famous by Norm Nixon and be able to represent Champ at the same time is an honor,” Carry said. “I won’t let them down.”

Carry wore No. 35 last season while leading the Atlantic 10 in assists per game (5.75) and being named to the conference’s All-Rookie Team. He was just the second player in Duquesne history and fifth freshman to lead the A-10 in assists.