The Landlord now has permanent residence in Cameron Indoor Stadium-and he definitely won't have to pay rent.
Shelden Williams, Duke's career leader in blocks and rebounds, was honored at halftime of the Blue Devils' victory over Boston College as his No. 23 jersey was officially retired.
Williams is only the 12th player to have his number retired in the program's 102-year history.
Williams' teammate, J.J. Redick, will become No. 13 next Sunday at halftime of the Florida State game.
President Richard Brodhead, Director of Athletics Joe Alleva and Mickie Krzyzewski, wife of head coach Mike Krzyzewski, represented the University and the basketball program in the ceremony.
Williams said he was alerted in November that the school would retire his number. The most recent player to have his jersey hung in the rafters was Jason Williams in 2003.
Brodhead said all candidates to have their jersey retired must have been named a National Player of the Year and have graduated. Williams accomplished the latter when he graduated in May 2006 with a degree in sociology.
"When I left I knew it was a possibility, but it was never official," Williams said in a press conference before the game. "When I first found out, I was ecstatic and I told my parents and my family, and they were very happy and proud of me. I felt truly blessed."
Williams, who was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks with the fifth pick last summer, was a two-time National Defensive Player of the Year and was the only player to average a double-double under Krzyzewski.
As a Blue Devil, he won three ACC titles, advanced to four Sweet Sixteens and made one Final Four appearance in 2004.
"I never actually thought about having my jersey retired," Williams said. "It was one of those things that if I had a chance, it would be great, but it wasn't in the back of my mind like, I want to accomplish this."
Williams received an extended ovation from the crowd when Alleva made reference to his decision to forego the NBA and return for his senior season.
"To come down here, with the players and the people of Duke University and their quality and level of performance off the court and on the court, I wanted to get more-as much as I could," Williams said of his decision. "I just couldn't pass that up."
Williams was accompanied by his parents, Bob and Jeannette Williams, who politely declined the Cameron Crazies' request for "one more kid." The 23-year old began his brief speech by thanking Duke's fans, whom he said always helped his energy level as a player.
"Duke has the best fans in the world and the best college atmosphere in the world," Williams said. "Coming from that to the NBA where, I guess, the fans aren't as crazy or intense as they are in the college game, it was a big difference."
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