Video | 12/15/2016 12:44:00 PM

On December 6, the storied San Francisco basketball program returned to one of its original homes – Kezar Pavilion.

"Kezar has an amazing history, particularly to USF," noted senior associate athletic director Frank Allocco. "It was built in 1924 and we played our games up there through the 50's … it really is quite a gem to this school and to the Bay Area."

The list of USF players and coaches who walked down the slight ramp from the tiny locker rooms to the springy Kezar Pavilion floor contributed mightily to the Dons' rich and storied basketball history.  Ross Giudice, Jack Hanley and Gene Brown first played at Kezar Pavilion for Washington High School before finding their way to the Hilltop. Rene Herrerias, Joe McNamee, Bill Mallen, Cap Lavin, Fred LaCour, Stan Buchanan, Bill Bush, Bob Weibusch and Rudy Zannini head up St. Ignatius' proud contingent. The paths of USF's first two All-Americans, Rene Bareilles (Poly) and Ray Maloney (St. Ignatius), also went through Kezar Pavilion, as did K.C. Jones, who attended Commerce High School.

The legendary Bill Russell made his collegiate debut at Kezar Pavilion on Dec. 1, 1953, scoring 23 points and swatting away 13 shots to lead an unranked USF team to a 57-33 upset over 10th-ranked California. A legend was born and a dynasty was in the offing.

Allocco described the scene on Legends of Kezar Night – letterman sweaters and suits and hats, 50 cent concessions, a sock hop and throwback uniforms. The players of the 50's returning to admiring fans completed the transformation of the evening as the USF men and women took to the historic hardwood.

A men's and women's doubleheader, Kalyn Simon, Dagny McConnell and Rachel Howard reflected on the spirit of social progress and the historic nature of being USF's first women's team to play in the legendary Pavilion.

"Although women didn't get to compete there when the Dons did actually play there in the 50's, I think this opportunity now in the 21st century to get to now compete there just represents progress," noted Howard. "We hope that in continuing to build this program that we can add to that tradition."

Following the win over San Jose State for the women, the men met up with crosstown squad San Francisco State to keep the Dons' streak winning streak at Kezar intact.

"Just knowing that all of these legends played there, this is where they made history," said freshman Charles Minlend. "You're a part of history and you're honoring their history while making history in the process. It's a really amazing thing to be a part of ... I always like how things come full circle."

This segment is a sneak peak of the next episode "Behind the Mask," USF's cable television show that airs monthly on Comcast SportsNet California. Episode 4 of the season isn't slated to debut until Dec. 28, but in the meantime, fans can watch the rebroadcast of Episode 3 on Monday, Dec. 19 at 10 p.m., or visit the USF YouTube channel to see segments from the season.

In the San Francisco Bay Area, Comcast SportsNet California can typically be found on channel 698 for DirecTV customers, 438 on the Dish Network, 412-01 on Dish Hopper packages, 767 on U-Verse and 41 on most Comcast packages. Check local listings for your cable provider's station guide and additional air dates and times.