It has been 19 years since point guard Lafayette "Fat" Lever last played at ASU, and he will have his No. 12 jersey retired by the Sun Devils on Jan. 28th, 2012 when the Sun Devils take on Washington State.
Lever played for ASU from 1978 to 1982, leading the Sun Devils and playing alongside ASU great Byron Scott for a stretch. He played a significant role in helping the Sun Devils achieve impressive records of 22-7 and 24-4 during his sophomore and junior seasons, respectively.
Lever still holds the ASU record for most points scored by a Sun Devil against arch rival Arizona, which he set during his senior season on Feb. 20th, 1982 with a 38-point performance. He was also key during the Sun Devils' impressive 20-point victory (81-61) over previously undefeated No. 1 Oregon State in 1981, when ASU won the final game of the season to spoil the Beavers' plans of a perfect season.
Lever also made his mark in the NBA, playing 11 years (1982-1994) after being drafted 11th overall in the 1982 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. Lever spent his first two seasons with the Trail Blazers before spending six years with the Denver Nuggets and three years with the Dallas Mavericks. He averaged 13.9 points and 6.0 assists over his NBA career and was a two-time All-Star.
On Jan. 28th, ASU will honor one of its best and most accomplished players. Lever was a leader and a talent on the floor, often making his teammates better with his passes and leading the Sun Devils to memorable victories during his college career. He has certainly earned his place in the rafters alongside other Sun Devil greats.