NU-Mens-BB_Gameday_12/18/20-03/06/21

John J. ‘Taps’ Gallagher Center On December 6, 2014, Niagara University officially named the Gallagher Center court after Frank and Babara Layden. Layden, who played for Niagara from 1951-55 under John ‘Taps’ Gallagher, is a pro and collegiate basketball coaching legend. He led his alma mater for eight seasons, including taking Niagara to the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament in 1970. Layden finished his coaching tenure at Niagara at the end of the 1976 season with 119 career wins, which were second at the time to Gallagher. Layden’s next move was to the NBA where he worked as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks (1976-79), and with the Jazz organization as general manager (1979-87), head coach (1981-89) and president (1989-99). Layden was named the 1983-84 NBA Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year, and was the recipient of the NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, which is annually given to a player or coach who shows outstanding service and dedication to the community. By his side is his wife, Barbara. The couple has always been committed to community service. The Laydens have supported many charitable causes including cancer awareness, crime prevention, and child abuse. In 2013, Frank and Barbara were named the Humanitarian of the Year by Catholic Community Services of Utah for his inspiring work in the community. Frank & Barbara Layden Court The 2,100-seat John J. “Taps” Gallagher Center means different things to different people. To Purple Eagle fans, it means great atmosphere, roaring crowds and Niagara victories. To opponents, it means intimidation, deafening noise and a likely defeat. Niagara University’s on-campus facility has been the home for the school’s basketball program since Nov. 30, 1949. Niagara has enjoyed a tremendous home-court advantage in the friendly confines of the Gallagher Center over the years. Originally named the Student Center, it was renamed on May 23, 1982, in honor of the former athletics director and basketball coach at Niagara. In the summer of 1998, the Gallagher Center underwent a $1.3 million renovation that included a new floor, bleachers and decor. In 1995, the Gallagher Center also received improved lighting. Banners featuring Niagara’s NCAA and National Invitation Tournament appearances were added in 1996-97 while banners marking the accomplishments of the women’s basketball programwere added in 1997-98. On the outside of the Gallagher Center, fans are welcomed by the Niagara Hall of Fame which highlights historical moments in the Niagara athletics. In 2018, the Gallagher Center atrium was renovated to feature several murals of the history of NU Athletics and trophy cases.