The St. Bonaventure men’s basketball program will honor the life and career of Bob Lanier during the 2022-23 season in multiple ways, both celebrating his efforts on the court and his philanthropy away from it.
The season-long celebration of Lanier’s legacy will begin at Bona’s season-opener Monday, Nov. 7 when the Bonnies start the campaign with special recognition of the program’s most famous alum. A special pre-game ceremony will highlight Lanier’s accomplishments and lasting impact, and his famous No. 31 retired jersey banner will move to the center of the Reilly Center rafters where it will remain for the entire year.
Lanier’s 31 will also adorn Bona’s jerseys for the entirety of the season, as Bonnies players will sport 31 patches on their jerseys, made to look like the Bonnies home uniform during his seasons with the program, in tribute.
In addition, St. Bonaventure announced the institution of the Bob Lanier Literacy Fund to continue his passion for work in the community. As part of the fund, a $10,000 donation will be made toward youth-serving programs in the Olean area. A $5,000 donation will be pledged to a youth reading program in the community while an additional $5,000 is set to go toward the purchase of books for elementary school students in Cattaraugus County. Lanier passed away in May at the age of 73.