Bucks to retire Johnson's No 8 jersey

WASHINGTON -- The Milwaukee Bucks will retire the No 8 jersey of Marques Johnson in a special halftime ceremony during the Bucks' game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 24, the club announced on Saturday.

Johnson, who played in 524 career games with Milwaukee over seven seasons from 1977-84, will become the ninth player in Bucks history to have his number retired.

"This is a well-deserved honor for Marques who was a pillar of one of the most successful eras of Bucks basketball in the late 1970s and 1980s," said Bucks president Peter Feigin. "Marques is one of the most decorated players in franchise history. Retiring Marques' number was an easy decision for us. We look forward to recognizing his prolific career on March 24."

"I am moved beyond words by such a gesture," Johnson said. "I have always held a special place in my heart for the fans who supported the Bucks during my time there. For the organization to honor me this way, means more than words can express. Sometimes it takes being away from a situation to really appreciate what you had. I had long felt a sense of disappointment for falling short of the NBA Finals. What I have come to realize is that the fans of Milwaukee only ask that you play hard and give your best."

Part of one of the most dominating eras of Bucks basketball, Johnson, a four-time All-Star, led Milwaukee to playoff appearances in six of his seven seasons with the team. This included five straight playoff appearances from 1980-84, and two Eastern Conference Finals berths in 1983 and 1984.