The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa will retire Anthony "AC" Carter’s No. 23 jersey during halftime of the Rainbow Warriors' Feb. 21, 2026 game against UC Santa Barbara at Bankoh Arena in Manoa. The recognition will cement Carter's place among the program’s most celebrated alumni after a career that ran from national upsets at UH to more than a decade in the NBA.
The move was announced in a release from University of Hawai'i Athletics, which said Carter's No. 23 will be raised to the rafters at Bankoh Arena during halftime on Feb. 21, 2026. The release noted the number will be only the second men's basketball jersey to hang inside the Stan Sheriff Center, joining Bob Nash’s No. 33, which was retired in 2020. The school described the honor as recognition of Carter’s impact on and off the court.
About AC Carter
During his two seasons at UH (1996–98) Carter established himself as one of the program’s all‑time playmakers — he was the 1996–97 WAC Pacific Division Player of the Year, a two‑time AP honorable‑mention All‑American, and left as the school leader in career assists average. Carter and backcourt mate Alika Smith formed the "Dynamic Duo" that produced signature wins over Indiana and No. 2 Kansas, moments that still carry weight for local fans. Those milestones were outlined in a profile by University of Hawaiʻi System News.
From Mānoa To The NBA And Back
Following his time at Manoa, Carter played 13 seasons in the NBA and later moved into coaching roles at the league level. "AC is one of the most beloved players in the decorated history of UH sports," Athletic Director Matt Elliott said in the school’s release, and coach Eran Ganot praised Carter’s lasting impact in the community. The athletics announcement highlighted his long ties to the NBA as both a player and coach, framing the retirement as recognition of a full basketball life, as per the University of Hawai'i Athletics.
Rafters, Traditions And The Rarity Of The Honor
Jersey retirements are rare at UH — Bob Nash’s No. 33 became the first men's number officially retired during the school's 100th‑season celebration in 2020. That context helps explain why the university framed Carter’s ceremony as a major milestone for the program and for the fanbase. The Nash retirement and centennial celebration were described in a story by University of Hawaiʻi System News.
What Fans Need To Know
The halftime ceremony will occur during the home game against UC Santa Barbara on Feb. 21, 2026, and will be staged at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. The arena was officially rebranded earlier this year; for background on the venue's recent naming, see Hawaii News Now's coverage. Expect the university to publish ticketing and lei‑giving guidance through its athletics channels as the date approaches.
