The Legacy of No. 28 in Philadelphia 76ers History
Summertime in the NBA often brings a chance to step back from the daily grind of games and focus on history. For the Philadelphia 76ers—one of the league’s oldest franchises, tracing its roots back to the 1949-50 season—history is filled with legends, forgotten names, and unique stories tied to the jersey numbers worn on the hardwood.
While many Sixers numbers have become iconic, others have been far less common. The No. 28 is one of those rare jerseys, having been worn by just five players in the entire history of the franchise. Each left their own mark, however brief, on the City of Brotherly Love.
Bill Melchionni
Before becoming a standout in the ABA with the New York Nets, Bill Melchionni began his NBA journey in Philadelphia. Wearing No. 28 for the Sixers, he averaged 4.4 points, 1.4 assists, and 1.4 rebounds. His time in Philly was short, but he set the stage for a career that would later blossom elsewhere.
Bud Ogden
Bud Ogden had one of the shortest careers tied to the No. 28, spending just two seasons in the NBA, both with the Sixers. In 74 games, Ogden averaged 3.5 points and 1.4 rebounds. While his tenure was brief, his name remains etched in the team’s uniform archives.
Walt Wesley
A veteran journeyman of the 1970s, Walt Wesley made a brief stop in Philadelphia during the 1974-75 season. Playing only four games, he averaged 3 points and 2 rebounds while wearing the No. 28. Though fleeting, his presence contributes to the number’s history.
Andrew Lang
The No. 28 gained more stability in the early 1990s with Andrew Lang, who played a full season with the Sixers in 1992-93. Starting 59 of his 73 games, Lang averaged 5.3 points and 6 rebounds, providing toughness and consistency in the frontcourt. His role gave the number its most extended impact before the modern era.
Guerschon Yabusele
The most recent and arguably most productive No. 28 for the Sixers, Guerschon Yabusele returned to the NBA after five seasons overseas and quickly became a valuable contributor in 2024-25. Averaging 11.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 38% from beyond the arc, Yabusele filled a critical role for a Sixers squad plagued by injuries. Though he left for the New York Knicks the following offseason, his single season in Philadelphia cemented him as the standout of the No. 28 lineage.
A Rare Number, A Unique Legacy
In over 75 years of Sixers basketball, the No. 28 jersey has appeared sparingly, worn by just five players across different eras. From Melchionni’s beginnings to Yabusele’s resurgence, the number’s history is a reminder that every jersey—no matter how rarely seen—carries stories worth remembering in Philadelphia’s rich basketball tapestry.
From Philadelphia 76ers
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