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NEW YORK -- On Friday night, Nov. 22, the City College of New York Department of Athletics held its inaugural Basketball Tip-Off Banquet at Nat Holman Gymnasium.  CCNY Hall of Famer Steve Lappas '77 served as the keynote speaker at the event, which also celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Beavers' dual NCAA and NIT championships in 1950.

Lappas, who was inducted into the CCNY Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997, was a three-year letterwinner with the Beavers and served as team captain during his junior year.  He later went on to a successful coaching career at Manhattan, Villanova and Massachusetts, and is currently a college basketball analyst for CBS Sports Network.

In addition, the 1949-50 squad that won the historic double championship was honored.  "The City Game" author Matthew Goodman spoke and a short video about  the season was played.  Floyd Layne '57, the last living member of the team, was in attendance and received a standing ovation before sharing some of his memories from that magical year.

"It was an honor to have Coach Layne, Coach Lappas and Mr. Goodman speak at our first-ever Tip-Off Banquet," Head Men's Basketball Coach Sean Clores said.  "It was a special night for our program, and we're looking forward to this event becoming an annual tradition."