Philadelphia, PA – Registration is now open for the 24^th Annual Friends of Bill Raftery Golf Outing presented by Liberty Coca-Cola on Monday, June 15, at the North Hills Country Club.

The event, held by the Friends of Bill Raftery Committee, is designed to support the La Salle men's basketball program and has raised more than a million dollars since 2002.

Registration starts as early as 11 a.m. before a shotgun, scramble format is set for action at 12:15 p.m. A banquet with drinks and dinner, and awards following the conclusion of the round.

Lionel "L-Train" Simmons '90 is this year's honoree and will honored at the dinner.

Simmons stands as one of the most decorated and beloved figures in La Salle University athletics history and among the greatest players in NCAA Division I men's basketball.

From 1986 to 1990, Simmons delivered a remarkable collegiate career that redefined excellence for the Explorers. A two-time National Player of the Year, he earned both the Naismith College Player of the Year Award and the John R. Wooden Award in 1990, becoming the only player in La Salle history to achieve this distinction. That same year, he led the Explorers to an appearance in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, cementing his legacy on the national stage.

Simmons finished his collegiate career with 3,217 points, second all-time in NCAA Division I history at the time of his graduation, and still ranks among the top scorers in the history of the game. Known for his relentless work ethic, versatility, and scoring ability, he recorded 115 consecutive double-figure scoring games, a testament to his consistency and dominance.

Following his historic run at La Salle, Simmons was selected seventh overall in the 1990 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings, where he enjoyed a productive professional career and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

Simmons' impact extends far beyond statistics. His No. 22 jersey hangs in the rafters of John E. Glaser Arena, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of student-athletes. In recognition of his extraordinary achievements, he has been inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame and the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame.

A true embodiment of La Salle's spirit, Lionel Simmons remains a symbol of excellence, humility, and enduring pride for the Explorer community.
 
SCHEDULE
11:00 a.m. – Registration, Lunch, Driving Range, Putting Green available
12:15 p.m. – Shotgun Start – scramble format
5:00 p.m. – Cocktails
6:30 p.m. – Dinner, awards, program

For questions about the event, please contact Development - 215-951-1539 or development@lasalle.edu