HONOLULU – University of Hawai'i Athletics will retire jersey No. 23 for Rainbow Warrior basketball legend Anthony "AC" Carter during a halftime ceremony of UH's game versus UC Santa Barbara on Feb. 21, 2026.

Carter's No. 23 will be the second men's basketball number to hang inside Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center, joining Bob Nash's No. 33 which was retired during the program's 100th Season celebration in 2020.

Carter was one of the most electrifying players in program history. He was a two-time honorable mention All-American and all-Western Athletic Conference pick who went on to a 13-year NBA career, most notably with the Miami Heat.

"AC is one of the most beloved players in the decorated history of UH sports," Athletic Director Matt Elliott said. "He provided Hawai'i fans with some of the most unforgettable moments in program history. He was the centerpiece of a team that captivated our fans and rocked the Stan Sheriff Center on a regular-basis. We look forward to welcoming AC and his family back to Manoa for this well-deserved honor."

"This is the 106th season of Hawai'i Basketball and we have been blessed to have had many teams, coaches, and student-athletes pour their blood, sweat and tears for this program," head coach Eran Ganot said. "AC became one of our most popular players on one of our most popular teams and for all the right reasons. His commitment to success extended beyond the court and into the community as you can still feel his impact many years later. It's been a joy to follow his journey as a successful and respected player and coach in the NBA following his storied UH career."

The 1996-97 WAC Pacific Division Player of the Year, Carter was the first UH player to win a conference player of the year award and one of just two UH players ever to earn the distinction of conference player of the year. He combined with backcourt mate Alika Smith to form the "Dynamic Duo." The pair helped UH capture its first-ever WAC regular-season title (1996-97) and made back-to-back appearances in the NIT. They also helped generate a Stan Sheriff Center-record 12 sellout crowds during the 1997-98 campaign. 

Carter led UH to some of the most iconic wins in program lore – an upset over Bobby Knight and nationally-ranked Indiana in the 1997-98 season-opener and a stunner over No. 2-ranked Kansas a little more than a month later to capture the Rainbow Classic title. He left UH as the career-leader in assists average (6.9), while ranking third all-time in assists despite playing just two seasons and still holds the single-season assists record (212, 1997-98). Carter is one of just four UH players to eclipse 1,000 points in just two seasons.
 
Following his UH career, Carter played 13 seasons in the NBA for the Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors. He then spent the last 10+ years coaching in the league, including stints with the Sacramento Kings, Miami Heat and Memphis Grizzlies.