St. John's University Athletics
Debbie Beckford to be Honored as BIG EAST Legend at Conference Tournament
3/5/2024 11:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Beckford starred for St. John’s from 1979-83, was named BIG EAST Player of the Year her senior year
NEW YORK – The BIG EAST Conference announced the creation of the BIG EAST Legends Recognition Program and former St. John's women's basketball star Debbie Beckford will be honored at the upcoming conference tournament this weekend.
Beckford along with selected recipients from the 10 other BIG EAST member schools will be recognized for their trail-blazing accomplishments during Saturday's quarterfinal round at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Beckford was a standout in the program's early years from 1979-83. She continuously improved throughout her career and recorded one of the most decorated seasons in program history during her senior campaign.
In 1982-83, Beckford led the squad to a 28-6 record and the first-ever BIG EAST Tournament Championship in women's basketball, defeating Providence on its home floor, 73-64. St. John's made its first of now 11 NCAA Tournament trips that year earning a seven seed in the "Big Dance".
Beckford set program records during the 1982-83 campaign that still stand today. She tallied 705 points and made 314 field goals which ranks atop of the program's all-time leaderboards. The forward averaged 21.4 points per game, which ranks third-best all-time.
The former Johnnie racked up plenty of accolades after her record-breaking year becoming the lone St. John's player to ever win BIG EAST Player of the Year. She also earned BIG EAST Tournament MVP honors after leading the team to a conference title was tabbed Lady Niagara Player of the Year, given to the top player in New York State.
Beckford accumulated 1,753 career points during her standout tenure in Queens which still ranks third-best on the all-time scoring list.
Third-seeded St. John's is set to face the winner of sixth-seeded Georgetown and 11th-seeded Xavier in the BIG EAST Tournament Quarterfinal on Saturday night at 9:30 p.m. on FS2.
Beckford along with selected recipients from the 10 other BIG EAST member schools will be recognized for their trail-blazing accomplishments during Saturday's quarterfinal round at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Beckford was a standout in the program's early years from 1979-83. She continuously improved throughout her career and recorded one of the most decorated seasons in program history during her senior campaign.
In 1982-83, Beckford led the squad to a 28-6 record and the first-ever BIG EAST Tournament Championship in women's basketball, defeating Providence on its home floor, 73-64. St. John's made its first of now 11 NCAA Tournament trips that year earning a seven seed in the "Big Dance".
Beckford set program records during the 1982-83 campaign that still stand today. She tallied 705 points and made 314 field goals which ranks atop of the program's all-time leaderboards. The forward averaged 21.4 points per game, which ranks third-best all-time.
The former Johnnie racked up plenty of accolades after her record-breaking year becoming the lone St. John's player to ever win BIG EAST Player of the Year. She also earned BIG EAST Tournament MVP honors after leading the team to a conference title was tabbed Lady Niagara Player of the Year, given to the top player in New York State.
Beckford accumulated 1,753 career points during her standout tenure in Queens which still ranks third-best on the all-time scoring list.
Third-seeded St. John's is set to face the winner of sixth-seeded Georgetown and 11th-seeded Xavier in the BIG EAST Tournament Quarterfinal on Saturday night at 9:30 p.m. on FS2.
St. John's WBB vs Columbia Postgame Press Conference 3.19.2026
Thursday, March 19
St. John's Women's Basketball vs Seton Hall Postgame Press Conference3.7.26
Tuesday, March 10
St. John's Women's Basketball vs Seton Hall Big East Tournament Game 2 Postgame Press Conference 3.7.26
Sunday, March 08
St. John's Women's Basketball vs Xavier Big East Tournament Game 1 Postgame Press Conference 3.6.26
Saturday, March 07