Tuskegee University Makes History, Retires Kusamae Draper's Jersey While Star Leads Playoff Push

Tuskegee University has made history by retiring the basketball jersey of Kusamae Draper while the senior standout continues to lead his team through the playoffs—marking the first time a basketball player has received this honor at the institution.

The unprecedented recognition came during senior night as Tuskegee's Golden Tigers entered the postseason as the No. 1 seed in the SIAC (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) West Division, carrying a commanding 21-6 overall record and a 19-5 conference mark.

Draper's exceptional final season earned him SIAC Player of the Year honors and First Team All-SIAC recognition after averaging 16.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while starting all 26 contests. Over his four-year career, the senior accumulated approximately 1,400 points and 700 rebounds—all in a Tuskegee uniform.

"It meant a lot getting my jersey retired, it was senior night, a lot of my family was there, and it was unexpected.



It was something that made me feel really proud of myself because not only my accomplishments personally, but how people around me see me and how my coach (Benjy Taylor) viewed me."

Head Coach Benjy Taylor, who earned SIAC Coach of the Year honors for guiding the team's impressive season, explained the rationale behind the historic decision to retire Draper's number while he remains active.

"In today's era, I just thought it was important that we recognize a young man who has done it a different way! Came here as a freshman, worked his way into the best player in the league. So some 1,400 points and 700 rebounds later, all for Tuskegee University, it was a no-brainer (to retire his jersey)."

Excellence Beyond the Court

Draper's impact at Tuskegee extends far beyond basketball. The Construction Science major will graduate with a 3.5 GPA, exemplifying the student-athlete ideal that remains central to the HBCU mission.

"To be at Tuskegee all four years was a blessing," Draper told HBCU Gameday. "Staying there was the best for my future; it was home and family."

Playoff Performance

The Golden Tigers have already demonstrated their championship credentials, opening the Division II tournament with a dominant 70-53 victory over Benedict College. Tuskegee advances to face Clark Atlanta University on March 6, after Clark Atlanta defeated LeMoyne-Owen 59-54.

Draper's teammate, Khalil Genwright, also earned postseason recognition as a Second Team All-SIAC selection, highlighting the depth of talent Coach Taylor has assembled.

As the Golden Tigers continue their playoff run, Draper has the opportunity to cap his historic career with the ultimate prize—a championship to accompany his retired jersey hanging in the rafters.

Originally reported by Black Enterprise.