Jamaal Wilkes’ jersey retirement quotes

Jamaal Wilkes, on whether or not his jersey retirement helped impart a sense of history on the current players: “Even if they don’t understand it, I think it gives the program a shot in the arm. They might not know John Wooden’s career, but they know of him, the icon. When you bring back an iconic figure like him through one of his players, I think it helps the program.”

Head coach Ben Howland: “It’s really special. For me in particular, I’m really disappointed I wasn’t out there. Jamaal was one of my heroes growing up. I’m a little kid in Goleta, Calif. The big star at the local high school (Santa Barbara) his senior year, after moving up from Ventura, is Keith Wilkes. Later on, when he went on to UCLA, I watched all his games. What a great player. The guy was an unbelievable athlete, player. Smart, skilled. … He’s such a classy guy. What a class act.”

Freshman Kyle Anderson: “It’s just a great impression. To put these four letters across our chest, UCLA, is a great honor. You have to play hard every minute out there because you’re part of a tradition that’s so rich.”

Wilkes’ No. 52 jersey to be retired Thursday

Former All-American and two-time NCAA champion Jamaal Wilkes will have his No. 52 jersey retired at halftime of UCLA’s Thursday game against Oregon State. Wilkes, who won four NBA titles, also had the same number retired by the Lakers last month.

Wilkes was part of the Bruins’ 88-game winning streak from January 1971 to January 1974, and his jersey will be the first raised to the rafters since Gail Goodrich’s was retired in 2004.

Reggie Miller’s No. 31 will be retired on Jan. 30, and Don Barksdale’s No. 11 on Feb. 7. Their additions will bring the total number of retired jerseys at Pauley Pavilion to 10.