Congratulations #23 Anthony “AC” Carter
One of the most electrifying players in the University of Hawaii Basketball program’s history, Anthony “AC” Carter was a two-time honorable mention All-American and all-Western Athletic Conference pick who went on to a 13-year NBA career, playing for the Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors.
On February 21, 2026, the University of Hawaii will retire Anthony “AC” Carter’s #23 jersey during the halftime ceremony game versus UC Santa Barbara. In commemoration of #23, Old Queen Street Stadium and Ripon/Sand-Knit are proud to bring you authentic Anthony “AC” Carter University of Hawaii Basketball jerseys. True to the game, this jersey will be made just like the one Anthony Carter wore during his playing days with the Rainbows.
Photo Courtesy of Wes Funai - Please do not copy without written consent
The jersey’s composite will be a home version made from 1990s inspired metallic/dazzle nylon fabric. The front will feature the iconic “HAWAII” basketball script and “23” in three color tackle twill. The back will have a larger number “23” with “CARTER” stitched on a nameplate in two color tackle twill.
This jersey was born from an era which marked a shift toward baggy styles and increased commercialization of apparel due to streetwear/hip-hop fashion. This demand was largely due to the technology which allowed for complex, colorful and graphic-heavy designs, moving away from simple stitched lettering. Technology also led to a shift away from heavy fabrics to lighter, more comfortable materials, including polyester and dazzle, which allowed for better moisture management and flashier, visual appeal. What began as plain, functional clothing manufactured for the sport became tokens of fashion, team ideology and culture. Conclusions can be drawn about jerseys in its present state and the tension between tradition and innovation, but that’s another topic for discussion.
While the demand for fan apparel increased, the University of Hawaii did not make any authentic jerseys for the public. Many brands made team apparel, but the only way to get your hands on a “AC” Carter jersey or any University of Hawaii jersey was from the team or players themselves. It is a well known rule that in sports, uniforms are generally considered team property, leading to scenarios where players must return their uniforms.
With that being said, It gives us great pleasure to announce that Anthony Carter has given Old Queen Street Stadium his blessing to create for the fist time, official #23 University of Hawaii Basketball jerseys. More than just fabric, these #23 jerseys encapsulates the spirit of an era, the Rainbow Basketball team and the game itself. Mahalo AC!
This project would not have been possible without the help of Coach Eran Ganot, Eric Matthews, Alan Aldwell, Jared Kanoa and Wes Funai. Mahalo. Mahalo. Mahalo.
Mahalo also to our Ripon family Michelle Chase for the photos and Bob Martin for getting the details correct on this one.
The release date for these jerseys will be announced soon.
