EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Purple Aces head men's basketball coach Walter McCarty grew up around some great University of Evansville squads.  He recognizes the tradition of the program and what it means to his home town. 
 
His respect for the program went to a new level this week as the program unveiled its throwback jerseys that bring back the old script "Aces" along with the sleeves.
 
"It's awesome to show how much the people who were here before us mean.  Our fans enjoy the Aces and the sleeves and it was a fun time when they sported those jerseys," McCarty said.  "To bring back some of that nostalgia and make our team aware of who was here before them and the traditions they had before them is very special."
 
Shortly after taking over the Aces program in 1946, Arad McCutchan noticed that many of his players wore t-shirts underneath their jerseys.  He believed that it would be more comfortable to just wear sleeves on the jerseys themselves in lieu of the shirts.
 
This became a staple of the Evansville program until McCutchan's retirement in 1977.  Jim Crews brought them back in 1986 until 2002.  Since then, they have returned a few times, but the latest version may be the best yet.  The look is a close replica of the ones worn by some of the programs best teams ever.
 
UE brings them back against a formidable opponent in Jacksonville State.  Led by head coach Ray Harper, the Gamecocks are 5-4 and lost by just four points on Wednesday at Wichita State.
 
"Jacksonville State is an athletic, tough team.  They attack the paint and have guys who are athletic, who play above and attack the rim," Aces head coach Walter McCarty said.  "We have to guard our yard; do tough things and make them score over us."
 
The Aces have some good stuff going for them right now.  They are 5-0 at home and are coming off of a huge win over Ball State.  A 44-11 run late in the first half and going into the second helped UE turn a 17-point deficit into a 16-point lead.  Evansville went on to win by a final of 89-77.
 
Shea Feehan scored 29 points and earned MVC Newcomer of the Week honors on Monday.  Today also marks the first game that Devan Straub is eligible.  He transferred from IU Kokomo last season.
 

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