PHILADELPHIA – For just the second time in program history, Temple University Athletics will retire a women’s basketball number.  All-time great Candice Dupree, who starred for the Owls from 2002-03 thru 2005-06, will have her number 4 jersey retired in a ceremony at halftime of Temple’s game against defending NCAA Champion South Carolina on Thursday, December 21 at the Liacouras Center (7 p.m.)

Dupree’s number will join former great Marilyn Stephens’ number 33 jersey in the rafters of McGonigle Hall as well as the Liacouras Center.  Unable to make her 2016 Temple Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony, she will be officially inducted into the Hall in a pregame reception

“Candice Dupree is one of the greatest student-athletes in the history of Temple Athletics and deserves to have her number immortalized,” said Temple University Director of Athletics Dr. Patrick Kraft.  “An All-American on and off the court, Candice led the Owls to greatness during her career here, and has taken her success to even higher levels with her six-time all-WNBA career.”

“Having my jersey retired at Temple means a lot to me,” said Dupree. “The four years I spent at the University not only provided me with an education, but the opportunity to build and grow my craft.  I was extremely blessed to be a part of team that taught me resiliency, commitment and teamwork, at the same time providing me with lifelong friendships.  I have no doubt that it was the investment Temple and Dawn Staley made in me that prepared me mentally and physically for a successful and lengthy career in the WNBA, with USA Basketball, and overseas. Temple University will always be a place that I cherish and I am honored to have my jersey hanging in the rafters.”

One of the most decorated women’s basketball players in Temple history, Dupree is the Owls’ all-time leader in field goal percentage (51.4%).  The 6-2 forward also ranks third on Temple’s career list in points (1,698), third in rebounds (968) and is tied for second in blocked shots (218).   The four-year starter was instrumental in helping the Cherry and White to its best three-year stretch in school history. Under her dominance, Temple won three conference titles, won 73 games, including a school-record 25 consecutive contests, and appeared in the national rankings in 27-straight weeks.

Dupree also earned numerous personal accolades during her TU career.  She was a two-time conference and Big 5 Player of the Year, a two-time conference Defensive Player of the Year, and as a senior in 2005-06 was named the Most Outstanding Player at the conference championship.  She capped her collegiate career with Third Team All-America honors.  The sixth overall pick in the 2006 WNBA Draft, Dupree is a six-time WNBA All-Star.  The Tampa, Fla., native was also a member of the US National Team that won gold at the 2010 World Championships.

Dupree played her four years at Temple under Staley, who is now the Gamecocks’ head coach.