STORRS, Conn. — Kemba Walker powered Connecti-cut to a third national title and in return, the school put the star guard’s name and number on the wall of Gampel Pavilion.

It was a surprise moment during Tuesday’s victory rally before about 7,500 rabid UConn fans who came to the arena to celebrate Monday night’s 53-41 win over Butler, and chanted “Kemba Walker,” and “One more year.”

The junior playmaker, who averaged 23.7 points during the NCAA tournament, cried and pulled his championship hat over his eyes as a drape that covered his banner was pulled away. He became the 14th Connecticut player to join the “Huskies of Honor” wall – the first to receive the honor while he was still in school.

“It’s like a dream come true,” Walker said. “Every kid wants his jersey or his number to be retired and this is pretty special.”