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Date: 1/18/2022
SPRINGFIELD – Legendary University of Massachusetts (UMass) and NBA basketball player Marcus Camby noted that he thought it was an honor to have his number retired at UMass. Then he said that honor was topped by UMass erecting a statue of Camby at the university.
The honor that was announced on Jan. 13, though, was one that was the best, according to Camby. He now has a White Lion beer named after him.
He said with a smile, “I have my own beer. It’s surreal … the beer tops it off.”
The tap room was filled with people who wanted to try the new beer as well as meet Camby.
Camby joined Ray Berry Jr., the president of White Lion Brewing Co., at the brewery’s tap room at Tower Square for the announcement. The university will be selling White Lion beers on campus in venues that include the Mullins Center.
Camby’s involvement with White Lion extends past just having a beer named in his honor. According to a statement from the brewery, “Camby’s goal is to help open new markets throughout New England and the Tri-State as well as release his own portfolio of beer brewed by White Lion.”
In a written statement, Berry said, “White Lion continues to expand its community reach. We have a proven track record and incredible community partners like the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, the AHL Springfield Thunderbirds, and MGM Springfield to name a few. I remember when Marcus electrified the region, just thinking about it brings back so many great memories. He loves our brand and what it represents; we are very excited and think we have a game winner.”
Camby is a native of Connecticut and played three seasons for the UMass Minutemen. Camby was selected second overall in the first round of the 1996 NBA draft by the Toronto Raptors. He earned many honors during his 17-year basketball career.
John Delova, president of the Basketball Hall of Fame, was at the announcement and noted that Camby has been nominated as a potential Hall of Famer. He added, “I’m not sure of any Hall of Famer that has a beer named after them.”