[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 5, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E207-E208]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING BILLY McKINNEY'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY 
                      ATHLETICS AND ITS COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. BRADLEY SCOTT SCHNEIDER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 5, 2024

  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today to recognize the 
outstanding achievements and public service of a basketball star, radio 
announcer, local mayor and my

[[Page E208]]

good friend, William Mervin ``Billy'' McKinney, III.
  On March 2, Northwestern Athletics, along with the Wildcats men's 
basketball program, will formally recognize Billy's athletic 
accomplishments and lifetime of community contributions with the 
retirement of his jersey number 30 during Northwestern's home game 
against Iowa. It marks the first time in school history that a student-
athlete's jersey has been retired.
  Billy McKinney played varsity basketball all four of his years at 
Northwestern (from 1973 through 1977). He is widely regarded as one of 
the greatest players in Northwestern basketball history. He set 
numerous records and earned many accolades during his collegiate 
career, including multiple All-Conference and All-America honors. Billy 
was inducted into Northwestern Athletic Hall of Fame in 1986.
  Following his collegiate career, McKinney enjoyed a successful career 
in the NBA, first as a player and then a front office executive. His 
eight-year playing career included stints with the Kansas City Kings, 
Utah Jazz, Denver Nuggets, San Diego Clippers, and Chicago Bulls. 
McKinney's high energy play and his quickness on the court earned him 
the nickname ``The Crazed Hummingbird.''
  After retiring as a player in 1985, McKinney transitioned to NBA 
front office management--working over 30 years with the Chicago Bulls, 
Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, Seattle SuperSonics and 
Milwaukee Bucks. McKinney made history as the first African American 
front office executive in Chicago Bulls franchise history.
  Following his days as an NBA Executive, McKinney has dedicated 
himself to public service. Returning to his hometown of Zion, IL, Billy 
was elected mayor in 2019. Since then, he has worked tirelessly to 
improve housing, address environmental concerns, and improve economic 
opportunities for his constituents.
  McKinney also remains actively involved with Northwestern University. 
He serves as the men's basketball radio color analyst and has a role 
with Northwestern University Development and Alumni Relations (NUDAR). 
The organization presents The Billy McKinney Award to the male student-
athlete with outstanding leadership, effort, and a positive attitude.
  As a player, Billy McKinney wore a medallion with the inscription: 
``They can conquer who believe they can.'' Billy McKinney's life story, 
his commitment and dedication to excellence, and his service to others 
set an example for us all.
  As a fellow Northwestern University alum, I am pleased to recognize 
and celebrate his distinguished career and the well-deserved 
recognition bestowed on him by our alma mater. I wish Billy McKinney 
all the best in his future endeavors and continued success.

                          ____________________