Murray State Basketball racers 2004-2005
championship tradition
winning has never stopped “...players“...pla have come and gone, but the winning has never stopped.” Larry Donald - Basketball Times February 2000
ovc championshipschamp 19 MurrayMurray State has won 19 Ohiohio ValleyValley CConferenceonference championships,c the most ooff anyany schoolscho in the conference.erence. MurrayMurray State has won 1212 of the lastl 17 OVC titles.es. 12 ncaa tournamentnament Murray Statete has been to the NCAANCAA Tournamentnt 12 times in its historyhistory, including fi ve times in the last eight years. CContentsontents
XThis Is Racer Basketball XThe History Racer Basketball Facts...... 1 Racer Team Records ...... 74-75 Contents ...... 2 Scoring Records ...... 76-77 Quick Facts...... 3 Rebounding Records ...... 78 ‘03-’04 Season Recap ...... 4-5 Field Goal Records ...... 79 This Is Racer Basketball ...... 6-7 Three-Point Records ...... 80 Championships ...... 8-9 Free Throw Records ...... 81 NCAA Tournament ...... 10-11 Miscellaneous Records ...... 82 Racer Basketball Legends...... 12-13 Coaching Records ...... 83 Mick Cronin...... 14-15 RSEC Records ...... 84 Cronin Basketball ...... 16 NCAA Tournament Records ...... 85 Student-Athlete Development...... 17 NCAA Tournament Boxscores ...... 86 Academic Support ...... 18-19 All-OVC Selections ...... 87 Basketball Facilities ...... 20-21 All-Time Letterwinners ...... 88-89 The University...... 22-23 All-Time Series ...... 90 Year-By-Year Results ...... 91-99 XSeason Outlook 2003-2004 Preview...... 24 XThe University 2003-2004 Roster ...... 26 Murray State University ...... 98 TV/Radio Roster ...... 27 University Administration ...... 100
XThe Players XRacer Athletics Adam Chiles ...... 28 Racer Athletics...... 101 Pearson Griffi th...... 30 Athletic Administration ...... 102 Darnell Hopkins ...... 31 Athletic Staff/Head Coaches ...... 103 Reggie Jackson ...... 32 Weaver Academic Center ...... 104 Keith Jenifer...... 33 RACER Foundation ...... 105 Charles Johnson...... 34 Issian Redding ...... 35 XMedia Information Trey Pearson ...... 36 Media Guidelines ...... 106 Shawn Witherspoon ...... 37 Media Outlets ...... 107 T.J. Wolf ...... 38 RacerRaR cer NetworksNetworks ...... 108...... 108 A.J. Adams ...... 39 Shane Dansby ...... 40 Jimmie Lee Holder...... 41 Mike McCoy ...... 42 Justin Orr ...... 43 2004 Senior Class ...... 44
XThe Coaches Mick Cronin...... 46 Darren Savino...... 50 Chris Goggin...... 51 Matt Grady ...... 52 Support Staff ...... 53
X2002-2003 Review Season Review...... 54 2002-2003 Results ...... 55 2002-2003 Statistics ...... 56 2002-2003 Boxscores...... 57 OVC Standings/Stats...... 61
XThe Opponents Austin Peay/Eastern Illinois ...... 62 Eastern Kentucky/Jacksonville State...... 63 Morehead State/Samford ...... 64 Southeast Missouri/Tennessee-Martin ...... 65 Tennessee State/Tennessee Tech ...... 66 Arkansas Tech/Delaware State ...... 67 Missouri/Radford ...... 68 St. Mary’s/Southern Illinois ...... 69 SIU-Edwardsville/Texas-San Antonio ...... 70 UAB/UC-Davis ...... 71 Western Kentucky/OVC Tournament ...... 72 QQuickuick FactsFacts
XGeneral Information XTeam Information Location ...... Murray, Ky. (42071) • 2003-04 Overall Record ...... 28-6 Founded ...... 1922 • 2003-04 OVC Record/Finish ...... 14-2 (2nd) Enrollment ...... 10,000 • Starters Returning ...... 0 Colors ...... Navy & Gold • Starters Lost ...... 5 Nickname...... Racers Andi Hornig, 7-0, C (3.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg) Conference ...... Ohio Valley Kevin Paschel, 5-11, G (6.1 ppg, 2.7 apg) Arena ...... Regional Special Events Center (8,600) Chris Shumate, 6-6, G (11.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg) President ...... Dr. F. King Alexander Cuthbert Victor, 6-5, F (14.6 ppg, 10.2 rpg) Interim Athletic Dir...... Kenny Roth Antione Whelchel, 6-5, F (10.6 ppg, 6.4 rpg) • Lettermen Returning ...... 3 Adam Chiles, 6-1, Sr., G (10.1 ppg, 4.6 apg) XCoaching Information Shawn Witherspoon, 6-5, So., F (5.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg) Head Coach ...... Mick Cronin T.J. Wolf, 5-11, So., G (0.7 ppg, 0.3 apg) • Alma Mater ...... Cincinnati ’98 • Newcomers ...... 11 • Career/MSU Record ...... 0-0 (1st Season) Shane Dansby, 6-5, F, Frosh Pearson Griffi th, 6-10, C, Junior Assistant Coaches Jimmie Lee Holder, 6-0, G, Frosh • Darren Savino ...... Jersey City State Coll. ‘94 Darnell Hopkins, 6-2, G, Junior • Chris Goggin ...... Toledo ‘98 Reggie Jackson, 6-8, F, Junior • Matt Grady ...... Saint Joseph’s ‘01 Keith Jenifer, 6-2, G, Junior Charles Johnson, 6-7, F, Junior Support Staff Mike McCoy, 6-6, F, Frosh • Athletic Trainer ...... Eric Frederick (TCU ‘92) Justin Orr, 6-6, F, Frosh • Strength Coach ...... Mike Vinson (Arkansas ‘93) Trey Pearson, 6-2, G, Soph • Secretary ...... Cheryl Whitaker Issian Redding, 6-6, F, Junior
XMedia Relations Information • Director/Basketball Contact ...... Dave Winder Offi ce Phone ...... (270) 762-4271 Fax ...... (270) 762-6814 E-Mail ...... [email protected] • Press Row Phone ...... (270) 762-5551 • Website ...... www.goracers.com • Mailing Address ..... MSU Athletic Media Relations 218 Stewart Stadium Murray, KY 42071
XProgram Information • Seasons ...... 79 • All-Time Record ...... 1,299-753 (.633) • OVC Championships ...... 19 • NCAA Tournament Appearances ...... 12
credits The 2004-2005 Murray State Basketball Media Guide was published by the MSU athletic media relations offi ce to help serve the needs of the media covering Racer Basketball. The media guide was written and designed by Steve Parker. Photography provided by Barry Johnson, Kyle Selby, Danny Vowell. Printing was done by Printing Services and Supplies of Murray, Ky. ‘‘03-’0403-’04 SSeasoneason RRevieweview the season Aveteran team which had won 17 games and finished fourth in the OhioValley Conference the season before was joined by a rookie head coach in‘03-’04. And, the result was magi- cal. Bouyed by an 8-0 start and wins over Southern Miss (94-54),TCU (73-67) and Southern Illinois (68-64), the Racers rolled to a 28-6 record and a berth in the NCAATournament. The 28 wins was just one shy of the Murray State single-sea- son record.
coaching start While much of the Racers’ success stemmed from its roster of nine seniors, a rookie also contributed mightily. In his fi rst season as head coach Mick Cronin led the Racers to 28 wins and a berth in the NCAATournament. His 28 wins rankfi fthall-time in NCAA history for numbers of wins by a fi rst-year head coach. player of the year To notch a 28-6 record and win an OVCTournament title, a team needs a go-to guy. In‘03-’04, that player was Cuthbert Victor. The6-foot-5 senior pulled down a league-high 10.2 rpg to go along with his 14.6 ppg.Those num- bers, along with his league-leading fi eld goal percentage (62.9%) and 57 blocked shots, earned him OVC Player of the Year honors. OnlyVictor, Isaac Spencer and Popeye Jones fi nished their Racer careers with over 1,000 points and over 700 rebounds. He also became MSU’s all-time leading shot blocker with 160 blocked shots. 22003-2004003-2004 OOVCVCTournamentT ournament CChampionshampions
title run After fi nishing the Ohio Val- leyConference regular-season in second place behind Austin Peay, the Racers rallied in the post-season tournament and cut down the nets. On Feb. 14 in the only regular-season matchup between the two teams,the Governors prevailed at home 63-56. In the OVC Tournament championship game,played in Nashville’s Mu- nicipal Auditorium, the Racers earneda hard-fought 66-60 vic- toryto clinch their 12th tourna- ment title and advance to the NCAA Tournament.
season ncaa no.12 notes By capturing the 2004 OVC After starting the season Tournament title, the Rac- 8-0, Murray State’s fi rst ers earned their 12th trip two losses of the season to the NCAATournament. came at the hands of No. 18 As has been the custom in Pittsburgh and No. 11 Lou- its history, Murray State isville. drew a hot fi rst-round op- Nationally, the Racers ponent.Illinois. Though the ranked No. 2 in assists per Racers traded the lead with game (18.7), No. 4 in fi eld the Fighting Illini in the fi rst goal percentage (49.5%), half, the Big 10 champs No. 12 in points per game pulled away in the second (80.3), No. 13 in scoring half to prevail 72-53. margin (+11.4) and No. Illinois would go on and 13 in wining percentage advance to the Sweet 16, (82.4%). while the Racers said good- bye to nine seniors. MSU was 24-0 when scoring 70 points in a game and23-0 when outrebound- ing opponents. RRaceracer BBasketballasketball
MSU students fl ock to the Regional Special Events Center, whilethe Racer cheeerleaders, pep band and dance team provide the electric atmosphere of every Racer home game.
TTherehere areare nono collegecollege basketballbasketball fansfans inin thethe countrycountry mmoreore loyalloyal tthanhan tthehe RRaceracer ffans.ans. WWhetherhether aatt hhomeome oorr oonn tthehe rroad,oad, RRaceracer ffansans aarere Dunker,Du the school mascot, aalwayslways ttherehere iinn bbigig nnumbers.umbers. performspe at all Racer games. exposure Murray State has become one of the most recognized names in college basketball because of it’s winning tradition, which translates into media exposure. Each year, Racer games are televised live by ESPN and Fox Sports andthe team also appears in national publications such as Sports Illustrated and USA Today.
pro future
Over the years, the Racers have sent several former players to theprofessional ranks. Currently, there are 10 former MSU players on professional rosters, wheth- er it’s Popeye Jones with the Golden StateWarriors or Marcus Brown in the elite Italian League. OOVCVC CChampionshipshampionships
best in division I Murray State won 9 conference titles in the 1990s, which was tops among all Division I programs in the country.
consistency Since 1988, Murray State has won 12 OVC titles, which translates into one conference championship every 1.3 seasons over that span. OVC 19Champions 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
an always thing 1992 “At Murray State 1991 success has been, to give it a Lombardian script, 1990 not just a sometimes thing, but a nearly always thing.” 1989 Larry Donald Basketball Times 1988 February 2000 1983 1982 1980 OVC Tournament 1969 Championships 1968 1964 2004 2002 1999 1998 1997 1951 1995 1992 1991 1990 1988 1964 1951 1988 history NCAA Tournament First Round Jeff Martin, then Lincoln, Neb. a junior, defends N.C. March 18, 1988 State’s Rodney Murray State ...... 78 Monroe in the Racers’ N. Carolina St...... 75 fi rst-ever NCAA Tournament win in 1988. NNCAACAA TTournamentournament
so close Don Mann and the Racers were one win away from the Sweet 16 in 1988, falling to Danny Manning and Kansas 61-58 in the second round. It was the Jayawks’ closest game en route to the national title.
ot heartbreaker In 1990 MSU came close to making history, but the 16th- seed Racers fell to No. 1 Michigan State 75-71 in overtime. However, college basketall was introduced to Popeye Jones when the Racer sophomore scored a game-high 37 points in 45 minutes. NNCAACAA 2000 TTournamentournament AAppearancesppearances Racer junior guard Marlon Towns 11964964 works against Evanston, Ill. Michael Redd Loyola (Ill.) 101, Murray State 91 of Ohio State 11969969 in the RCA Dome Carbondale, Ill. in Indianapolis. Marquette 82, Murray State 62 11988988 Lincoln, Neb. Murray State 78, N.C. State 75 Kansas 61, Murray State 58 11990990 Knoxville,Tenn. Michigan St. 75, Murray State 71 (OT) 11991991 Atlanta, Ga. 1995 Alabama 89, Murray Sate 79 11992992 MSU’s Marcus Milwaukee, Wis. Brown goes strong Arkansas 80, Murray State 69 to the basket against North Carolina’s 11995995 Jerry Stackhouse in Tallahassee, Fla. Tallahassee, Fla. North Carolina 80, Murray State 70 Brown scored 26 points in the game. 11997997 Charlotte, N.C. Duke 71, Murray State 68 11998998 Oklahoma City, Okla. Rhode Island 97, Murray State 74 11999999 Indianapolis, Ind. Ohio State 72, Murray State 58 22002002 Chicago, Ill. Georgia 85, Murray State 68 2002 22004004 Columbus, Ohio In Chicago in 2002, Illinois 72, Murray State 53 sophomore Cuthbert Victor blows by a Georgia defender en route to the basket and a team- high 23 points. NCAA LLegendsegends
popeye jones Murray State was the only Division I school that off ered him a scholar- ship, but the signing of a 6-foot-8, 300-plus pound high school center named Ronald“Popeye” Jones was one of the most important decisions in Racer basketball history. Arriving as a freshman from Dresden,Tenn, Jonesmade a modest contribution on the veteran 1988-89 team, but the next summer saw him drop 40 pounds from his frame and the rest was history. Jones scored 2,057 career points to rank No. 2 all-time when he fi nished,but it was rebounding where he made his mark. The all-time MSU career rebounding leader with 1,374 rebounds, Jones led the nation in total rebounds (469) in 1990-91 and rebound average (14.4) in 1991-92. He was named OVC Player of theYear twice (1990 and 1991) and OVC Athlete of theYear in 1991 and 1992. Following his Racer career Jones began his pro career in Europe, but after one season was picked up by the Dallas Mavericks. Since then, Jones has played forToronto, Boston, Washington and is now a member of the Golden State Warriors. joe fulks Joe Fulks played at Murray State from 1941-43, earningrecognition as one of the school’s all-time greats. But it was his post-MSU career which earned him a place in the Basketball Hall of Fame. As a professional, Fulks was the MVP of the NBA and was considered the best player of his era.One publication called him the “Babe Ruth of basketball.” In an era when the set shot was the preferred method for scoring, it was Fulks fi rst began using the jump shot and is widely recognized as the player who fi rst introduced it to basketball.
jeff martin When Jeff Martin was a high school athlete in CherryValley, Ark., colleg- es were more interested in him for football than basketball.Yet Murray State took a chance on the spindly forward and never regretted it. Start- ing as a true freshman in 1985, the 6-foot-5 Martin showed right away an ability to score points in large numbers. By the time he was through scoring,the smooth, sweet-shooting Martin was the top scorer in school history. In four seasons, Martin scored 2,484 points and averaged an MSU record 21.2 ppg.To this day, no collegiate player in the state of Kentucky has scored more points than Martin. He was a two-time OVC Player of theYear as well as a two-time OVC Athlete of theYear. He was drafted in the NBA by the Los Angeles Clippers and also played for Detroitbefore heading to Europe where he enjoyed tremendous success. Howie Crittenden (1952-56)
MarcusMarcus BrownBrown ((1992-96)1992-96)
Aubrey Reese (1997-00)
retired numbersbers
15 ...... Jeff Martin (1985-89)85-89) 16 ...... Garrett Beshear (1950-53)50-53) 19 .....Howie Crittenden (1952-56)52-56) 20 ...... Johnny Reagan (1945-48)45-48) 21 ...... Bennie Purcell (1949-52)49-52) 26 ...... Joe Fulks (1941-43)41-43) 30 ...... Paul King (1987-91)87-91) 54 ...... Popeye Jones (1988-92)88-92) Glen Green (1979-83)
PaulPaul KingKing (1987-91)(1987-91) De’Teri Mayes (1996-98) MMurrayurray State’sState’s OOVCVC PPlayerslayers ooff thethe YearYear Player Season Jim Jennings ...... 1963-64 Claude Virden ...... 1968-69 Les Taylor ...... 1971-72 Les Taylor ...... 1972-73 Gary Hooker ...... 1979-80 Glen Green ...... 1982-83 Les Taylor Jeff Martin ...... 1987-88 (1970-73) Jeff Martin ...... 1988-89 Popeye Jones ...... 1989-90 Popeye Jones ...... 1990-91 Marcus Brown ...... 1994-95 Marcus Brown ...... 1995-96 De’Teri Mayes ...... 1997-98 Aubrey Reese ...... 1999-00 Bennie Purcell Cuthbert Victor ...... 2003-04 (1949-52) MMickick CroninCronin
top recruiter Before becoming Murray State’s 13th head coach, Mick Cronin was named “the top recruiting assistant in the nation” by The Sporting News
fi fth all-time Mick Cronin ranks fi fth all- time in NCAA history for number of wins by fi rst-year head coaches. communicates “Mickis a relentless recruiter and he communi- cates with players as well as any coach I’ve ever worked with.” Rick Pitino Head Coach - Louisville profi le Hometown .... Cincinnati, Ohio Birthdate ...... July 17, 1971 College ...... Cincinnati ‘98 Coaching Experience: Head Coach Murray State, 2003- Assistant Coach University of Louisville, 2001-2003 Assistant Coach University of Cincinnati, 1996-2000 paying the price “Coach Cronin gets the best out of you in everything you do. He and his staff are so committed to winning basketball games. He always tells us that we’re paying a price that other teams aren’t.” Chris Shumate Former Racer
you’ll love playing “If you like to work hard, get better, and win, you’ll love playing for Mick Cronin.” Jay Bilas ESPN college basketball analyst
committed “Playing for Coach Cronin means that he will be committed to you for the rest what it’s all about of your life.” DerMarr Johnson Denver Nuggets the mission “When a player comes into our program, he’s going to fi nd a coaching staff that is committed to bringing out the best in him.Whether it’s on the basketball fl oor or in the classroom, he’ll realize quickly that we expect his best. We’re not just trying to win basketball games, we’re also trying to prepare young men for life after college.”
Mick Cronin CCroninronin BBasketballasketball the style Perhaps fast and furious bestt describesdescribes the style of play employed by Mickck Cronin. Full-Full- courtdefensive pressure and daan nup-tempo, end-to-endattack on off enseemmake akeplaying the Racers a 40-minute trackk mmeet.WWatch- atch- ing the Racers is a thrill-a-minutenuute spectacle for MSU fans. In ‘03-’04, the Racerserrs averagedaveraged 80.3 ppg and forced opponentsnents into 15.4 turnovers per game. In the Racers’ unselfi shsh style, seven diff erent players led the teamamm in scoring.
the process In order to implement the furious style of play employed by the Racers, much work mustbe done. With a conditioning program centeredon improving quickness, endurance andbody makeup, the Racers are primed and ready once the season tips off . While practice time is spent on teaching and sharpening the team concepts used in Cronin’s style of play, the Racer head coach usesindividual workouts to hone each play- er’s skill. SStudent-Athletetudent-Athlete Development
top condition “I’m in the best condition of my life. I think the conditioning we’ve been doing will help us be more productive on the court. I believe our whole team has worked harder and been more motivated than ever before.” Antione Whelchel Former Racer
racer power strength program Murray State recognizes that college basketball has evolved into a game in which power, quickness and stamina play major roles in the success of a team. Consequently,MSU has developed the Racer Strength & Conditioning Program. Mike Vinson heads up Racer Power, which has made a major impact on Racer basketball. Vinson uses weightlifting, as well as explosion and quickness drills to en- hance the athlete’s performance. AAcademiccademic SSupportupport
Racerplayers put in many hours in the weight room, on the track and on the court to improve their games. That same commitmentcarries over to academics as Racer players are provided the necessary academic facilities, resources and personal attention required to excel in the classroom.
weaver center Without question, the diff erence in the Racer basketball program’s academic success is the Weaver Academic En- hancement Center. Built in 1997, the Weaver Center is a state-of-the-art aca- demicfacility which has aided hundreds of Racer student-athletes in its short timein existence. The Weaver Center in- cludes a computer lab with 28 Edge PC computers and a study lab where stu- dent-athletes can meet with tutors or studyindependently. The Weaver Center wasfully funded by long-time MSU sup- porters Jan and Dick Weaver. Not only did the Racers achieve amazing success on the basketball court last March, the most notable accomplishmentof the nine seniors came in May when they donned caps and gowns. It is believed to be the largest graduating class in NCAA basketball history. AAcademiccademic SSuccessuccess
Nathan Akin Rick Jones Chris Shumate (Louisville, Ky.) (Georgetown, Ky.) (Louisville, Ky.) Political Science Health & PE Business Admin. Tim Haworth Kevin Paschel Cuthbert Victor (Mayfi eld, Ky.) (Louisville, Ky.) (St. Croix, V.I.) Health & PE OrganizationalComm. Business Mgt. Andi Hornig Petar Roncevic AntioneWhelchel (Idstein, Germany) (Zagreb, Croatia) (Gainesville, Ga.) Business Admin. InternationalBusiness Physical Education FFacilitiesacilities fi rst-class facilities Inkeeping with its commitment to maintaining one of the top college basketballprograms in the country, Murray State has invested the time and money to ensure that the Racers have fi rst-class facilities.
locker room Murray State’s locker room facilities, which in- cludes dressing area, lounge and kitchen area, is top-notchin every aspect. Roomy and modern, the locker area is ideal for preparing for games and practices, or just relaxing. Prior to this season, the lockerarea underwent a major renovation to make the area even more functional and appealing.
murray room Thenewest addition to the Regional Special Events Center is one of the most impressive aspects of the entire facility. The Murray Room is a nearly 8,000-square foot multi- purpose room used before and after Racer sports games as a hospitality room. Stylishly ap- pointed,the Murray Room includes a kitchen, medicine seating area, meeting space and a state-of- art audio/visual center. Racer players are provided the best training and medicalattention available, and it all begins in the sports medicine room. In addition to taping tables, whirlpoolsand rehabilitation equipment,the sports medi- cine facility also has an examining room for team physicians to provide proper attention to Racer athletes. weight room Racer players are committed to getting stronger and soon they’ll have a new facility to train in. Soon, Racer players will have a new 3,000-square foot weight room in the Regional SpecialEvents Center. Before the new facility becomes avail- able later this year, the Racers will continue to train in the weight room at Roy Stewart Stadium.
basketball offi ces With individual offi ces, a conference room and reception area, there’s no better place for head coach Mick Cronin and his staff to tend to the daily operations of Racer basketball than in the staff ’s offi ce suite. Located in Roy Stewart Stadium, the Racer basketball offi ces are constantly updated with the latest video equipment .
winslow dining hall Winslow Dining Hall off ers Racer playersan excellent place to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal each day on campus. The din- ing hall recently received a major renovation, giving the facility a food-court atmosphere. UUniversityniversity
For three-quarters of a century, Murray State Univer- sity has served students from near and far, and the qual- ity of“Kentucky’s Public Ivy University”continues to grow in substantial proportions. Murray State has grown from an enrollment of 202 students when the college was founded in 1922 to almost 10,000 today. Located in western Kentucky, theuniversity features fi veacademic colleges - Business and Public Aff airs; Edu- cation; Health Sciences and Human Services; Humanitiesand Fine Arts; and Science, Engineer- ing andTechnology - as well as a School of Agri- culture. Murray State’s 236-acre main campus is in Murray, a city of 15,000 which is ranked in the national publication,“Crime at College,” as Ken- tucky’s safest college town and 11th safest in the entire nation. What others are saying about Murray State USNews consistently ranks MurrayState among the leading uni- versities in the South. Barron’s college guide lists MSU as “very competitive.” MurrayState also has been singled- out as a“best value” by Kiplinger’s PersonalFinance magazine, ranking amongthe top nine public universities in the nation for quality education diverse student body with aff ordable out-of-state rates. And MSU was one of only six With just over 10,000 students, Murray State has all publicuniversities in America to make of the advantages of a large university, but maintains the prestigious“Hidden Treasure” the personal attention of a small college. list, just published by Kaplan, Inc. MSU students come from all 50 states and 64 foreign countries. Out-of-state students make up nearly one-third of the student population. Minority students make up 13% of the total student body. outlook SSeasoneason Preview Racer Basketball Outlook
A year ago, fi rst-year head coach Mick to do in our style of play.” Cronin joined a program with a roster stocked If the 11 newcomers blend well with the withfamiliar names and experienced players. two holdovers, the Racers could be in for an This year, the circumstances have reversed. exciting season, according to Cronin. As the Murray State Racers enter their “We really like the talent we have 80th season of basketball, it’s Cronin who on this year’s team, it really matches is the familiar face and his roster which is up with what we want to do as far as brand new. playing a full-court style on off ense In '03-04, the Racers turned in one and defense,” he said. “How well of the most remarkable seasons in school they all get on the same page and history, going 28-6 and advancing to the graspour style of play will determine NCAA Tournament after wrapping up an what kind of season we’ll have.” OVCTournament championship. However, 10 of the 2003-2004 team’s top 12 players Guards have moved on. Despite a revamped roster, Pushing the tempo and racing which includes just two players who fi gured the ball up the fl oor shouldn’t be a prominentlylast season, the expectations remain problem if the Racers’ guards have high. anything to say about it. Blessed with What this year’s edition of the Racers lacks in tremendous speed and quickness, experience in the blue and gold, it makes up for it MSU has four guards who excel in the open fl oor. Chiles leads the way after manning the "We have our work point guard position a year ago, though he may be better suited at the two-guard cut out for us, slot.Two players who were on campus last but we're year but did not play should allow Chiles more freedom. optimistic about Trey Pearson and Keith Jenifer both sat out last season after transfering the talent level .” to MSU from Division I schools. Pearson, a 6-foot-2 transfer from Ole Miss, played point guard for the Rebels but is a natural Mick Cronin scoring guard after putting up amazing numbers in high school. A transfer from Virginia, Jenifer is a true point guard talent and depth. played a lot of minutes in two seasons “We're optimistic,” said with the Cavaliers. Jenifer is a pass-fi rst Cronin, whose 28 wins in point guard who is lightning quick. 2004 ranked fi fth all-time in NCAA history among GuardsGuaG rd fi rst-year head coaches.“We PlayerPlayer Ht. Wt. Cl. Ppg Apg think we've done a good job of • A.J.A.J. AAdamsdams ...... 6-46-4 186 Fr. ------getting a lot of new talent. At the • AdaAdAdamm Chiles Chil ...... 61 6-1 190 Sr. 10.1 4.6 same time it's unproven with no experience as a team. We • Jimmie Lee Holder . . 6-0 186 Fr. ------have our work cut out for us, but we're optimistic about the • Darnell Hopkins . . . . 6-2 200 Jr. ------talent level." • Keith Jenifer ...... 6-2 180 Jr. ------• Trey Pearson ...... 6-2 184 So. ------Two players who will try to convey the lessons of last • T.J. Wolf ...... 5-11 180 So. 0.7 0.3 season are Adam Chiles and ShawnWitherspoon, the only remaining players from last year’s lineup. Chiles, a senior, Newcomer Darnell Hopkins, a junior college transfer, is started 24 games last season at point guard until a shoulder a 6-2 two-guard who gives the Racers a physical presence injury forced him out of action for fi ve games. He scored in the backcourt.With a combination of strength and quick- 10.1 points per game a year ago to rank fi fth on the team. ness, Hopkins gives MSU a guard who can break down a Witherspoon was a redshirt freshman a year ago, playing defense with the ball and play solid defense against bigger in all 34 games off the bench and putting up 5.3 points per guards on the defensive end. game. “The quickness of our guards really excites me,” said “Obviously, Adam and Shawn are going to have to play Cronin.“Because of their quickness we will be able to pres- major roles for us as our two returning frontline players,” sure teams and push the ball up the fl oor like I want to. We said Cronin.“We recruited a lot of talented newcomers to don’t have a great three-point shooter among our guards, 2004-2005 Murray State Basketball State 2004-2005 Murray replace what we lost last year, but it’s hard to match what but all of them can still put up points in a lot of ways.” Adam and Shawn give us.They’ve been in our program for III Walk-ons T.J. Wolf, a member of last year’s team who a year and have a great understanding of what we’re trying
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MSU Basketball guide 04-05 24-75.indd 24 7/13/2010 10:08:29 AM Racer Basketball SSeasoneason Preview
"...It will take some time fi nding players' strengths and playing to their strengths, but the pieces are defi netly in place.” Mick Cronin
saw action in 15 games, as well as A.J. Adams and Jimmie Lee Holder, should provide ample depth in the backcourt.
Wings With the graduation of Chris Shumate and Antione Whelchel, the Racers’ wing position lost two of its top four scorers. Helping ease the loss of those two wing players will be Witherspoon. Though forced to play inside for most of last season, Witherspoon is a more natural wing player.That’s become moreevident as Witherspoon has improved his ballhandling and shooting. Plus, even as a freshman a year ago, he was the catalyst on the Racers’ full-court press. Threenewcomers will join Witherspoon at the wing slot, led by junior college transfer Issian Redding. A 6-6 slasher, Redding brings excellent credentials from South Plains Col- lege where he averaged 15.0 ppg a year ago. Freshmen Shane Dansby and Justin Orr will also add athleticability and quickness to the wing position after stellar high school careers. “We are vastly diff erent at the wing position this sea- son,” said Cronin.“Where we had mostly jump shooters at the wing in Shumate and Whelchel, this year we have guys who can put the ball on the fl oor, go by people, and get to the rim and fi nish.”
"....we have guys who can put the ball on the fl oor, go by people, and get to the rim and fi nish.” Mick Cronin Sophomore forward Shawn Witherspoon
Jacksonis more of an off ensivethreat, combining strong Wing Players post moves and a soft touch around the basket. Johnson Player Ht. Wt. Cl. Ppg Rpg is a much more athletic post player who uses quickness,
• Shane Dansby ...... 6-5 200 Fr. ------leaping ability and a tenacious approach to provide points III • Justin Orr ...... 6-7 190 Fr. ------anddefensive punch. McCoy, who could develop into a wing
2004-2005 Murray State Basketball • Issian Redding ...... 6-6 200 Jr. ------player during his stay in Murray, was a force in the paint in • Shawn Witherspoon 6-5 215 So. 5.3 3.8 high school. His long arms and leaping ability make him a dangerous shot blocker and natural rebounder. Post Players “One area which we had to get more size and physical- Even with 7-footer Andi Hornig manning the center slot ness was in the paint,” said Cronin. “One area which really last season, the Racers played with one of the smallest hurt at times last season was in the paint because we lacked lineups in the Ohio Valley Conference a year ago with 6-5 the bodies to defend and board with bigger teams.We think CuthbertVictor and 6-5 Antione Whelchel shouldering much we’ve addressed that situation with this year’s team.” of the rebounding load. This season, the Racers will go into games more muscle and more strength, especially with the arrival of 6-10, 240- Post Players pound Pearson Griffi th. A junior college transfer who redshirted last season, Player Ht. Wt. Cl. Ppg Rpg • Pearson Griffi th . . . . . 6-10 240 Jr. ------Griffi th has improved his off ensive game, but is fi rst and • Reggie Jackson . . . . . 6-8 235 Jr. ------foremost a defensive presence who can block shots and • Charles Johnson . . . . 6-7 220 Jr. ------lock down the post. • Mike McCoy ...... 6-7 200 Fr. ------Joining Griffi th on the revamped front line are 6-8 Reg- gie Jackson, 6-7 Charles Johnson and 6-7 freshman Mike McCoy.
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MSU Basketball guide 04-05 24-75.indd 25 7/13/2010 10:08:33 AM outlook SSeasoneason Preview Racer Basketball ''04-'0504-'05 RRosteroster Numerical Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Cl. Exp. Hometown (Previous School) 0 Trey Pearson G 6-2 184 So. TR South Fulton, Tenn. (Univ. of Mississippi) 1 Jimmie Lee Holder G 6-0 188 Fr. HS Benton, Ky. (Marshall County HS) 2 Shane Dansby F 6-5 200 Fr. HS Kingston Springs, Tenn. (Harpeth HS) 3 T.J. Wolf G 5-11 190 So. 1L Martinsville, Ind. (Barton County CC) 4 Adam Chiles G 6-1 190 Sr. 1L Louisville, Ky. (Vincennes Univ.) 5 Mike McCoy F 6-7 200 Fr. HS Indianapolis, Ind. (Pike HS) 10 Keith Jenifer G 6-2 180 Jr. TR Baltimore, Md. (Univ. of Virginia) 14 Darnell Hopkins G 6-2 200 Jr. TR Baltimore, Md. (San Jacinto JC) 21 Charles Johnson F 6-7 220 Jr. TR Atlanta, Ga. (South Plains Coll.) 22 Shawn Witherspoon F 6-5 215 So. 1L Oviedo, Fla. (Oviedo HS) 23 A.J. Adams G 6-4 186 Fr. HS Mayfi eld, Ky. (Graves County HS) 25 Justin Orr F 6-6 190 Fr. HS Cincinnati, Ohio (LaSalle HS) 40 Issian Redding F 6-6 200 Jr. TR Sandusky, Ohio (South Plains Coll.) 43 Reggie Jackson F 6-8 235 Jr. TR Denver, Colo. (Lamar CC) 44 Pearson Griffi th C 6-10 240 Jr. RS St. Thomas, Barbados (Murray State JC) Alphabetical Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Cl. Exp. Hometown (Previous School) 23 A.J. Adams G 6-4 186 Fr. HS Mayfi eld, Ky. (Graves County HS) 4 Adam Chiles G 6-1 190 Sr. 1L Louisville, Ky. (Vincennes Univ.) 2 Shane Dansby F 6-5 200 Fr. HS Kingston Springs, Tenn. (Harpeth HS) 44 Pearson Griffi th C 6-10 240 Jr. RS St. Thomas, Barbados (Murray State JC) 1 Jimmie Lee Holder G 6-0 188 Fr. HS Benton, Ky. (Marshall County HS) 14 Darnell Hopkins G 6-2 200 Jr. TR Baltimore, Md. (San Jacinto JC) 43 Reggie Jackson F 6-8 235 Jr. TR Denver, Colo. (Lamar CC) 10 Keith Jenifer G 6-2 180 Jr. TR Baltimore, Md. (Univ. of Virginia) 21 Charles Johnson F 6-7 220 Jr. TR Atlanta, Ga. (South Plains Coll.) 5 Mike McCoy F 6-7 200 Fr. HS Indianapolis, Ind. (Pike HS) 25 Justin Orr F 6-6 190 Fr. HS Cincinnati, Ohio (LaSalle HS) 0 Trey Pearson G 6-2 184 So. TR South Fulton, Tenn. (Univ. of Mississippi) 40 Issian Redding F 6-6 200 Jr. TR Sandusky, Ohio (South Plains Coll.) 22 Shawn Witherspoon F 6-5 215 So. 1L Oviedo, Fla. (Oviedo HS) 3 T.J. Wolf G 5-11 190 So. 1L Martinsville, Ind. (Barton County CC) 2004-2005 Murray State Basketball State 2004-2005 Murray III
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MSU Basketball guide 04-05 24-75.indd 26 7/13/2010 10:08:33 AM Racer Basketball SSeasoneason Preview RRadio/TVadio/TV RRosteroster
Trey Pearson Jimmie Lee Holder Shane Dansby T.J. Wolf Soph. • Guard Frosh • Guard Frosh • Forward Soph • Guard 0 South Fulton, Tenn. 1 Benton, Ky. 2 Kingston Springs, Tenn. 3 Martinsville, Ind.
Adam Chiles Mike McCoy Keith Jenifer Darnell Hopkins Senior • Guard Frosh • Forward Junior • Guard Junior • Guard 4 Louisville, Ky. 5 Indianapolis, Ind. 10 Baltimore, Md. 14 Baltimore, Md.
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Charles Johnson Shawn Witherspoon A.J. Adams Justin Orr 2004-2005 Murray State Basketball Junior • Forward Soph • Forward Frosh • Guard Frosh • Forward 21 Atlanta, Ga. 22 Oviedo, Fla. 23 Mayfi eld, Ky. 25 Cincinnati, Ohio
Issian Redding Reggie Jackson Pearson Griffi th Mick Cronin Frosh • Forward Junior • Guard Junior • Center Head Coach 40 Cincinnati, Ohio 43 Mayfi eld, Ky. 44 St. Thomas, Barbados Second Season
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MSU Basketball guide 04-05 24-75.indd 27 7/13/2010 10:08:33 AM players TThehe Players Racer Basketball Adam Chiles 4 GuardG SSenior-1Lenior-1L 66-1-1 119090 Louisville, Ky. (Vincennes Univ.) SSociologyociology
Returns for his fi nal season as the team’s lone senior...Will be counted on to provide leadership and experience...Could be an All-OVC candidate this season...Very strong player who uses strength to get to the basket, as well has hold off opponents on defense...Gives the Racers a slashing scorer and will be one of the top perimeter shooters on this year’s team...A transfer from Vincennes University, Chiles spent his freshman year at Kentucky..Signed with the Racers in the spring of 2003.
2003-2004 Key member on last year’s OVCTournament championship team, both as a starter and reserve...Started 24 of 29 games he played in...Missed fi ve games late in the season when he dislocated his shoulder in the fi rst half of the win over Austin Peay...Averaged 10.1 points per game to rank fi fth on the team...Scored a career-high 21 points against Jacksonville State on Jan. 17...Scored 20 points in season-opener vs. Wagner, his only other 20-plus point scoring game...Averaged a team- high 4.6 assists per game with a high of 11 against Southern Miss...Scored 12 points in the Racers’ OVC Tournament cham- pionship game win over Austin Peay...Was averaging 12.8 ppg in fi ve games prior to shoulder injury.
Before MSU Was a standout player at Vincennes (Ind.) University in 2002-03...Played for head coach Dan Sparks atVincennes...Led Vincennes to a 25-8 record last season...At Vincennes, Chiles averaged 13.5 points per game...He started 17 of 32 games at the Indiana junior college...His best game of the season came High School againstNo. 1-ranked and eventual national junior college cham- Chiles played high school basketball at Ballard in pion Southeastern Iowa Community College when he scored Louisville...He played for head coach Chris Renner...He scored a career-high 48 points on 8-of-9 shooting from three-point 1,293 career points and helped the Bruins to a three-year record range...At Kentucky Chiles saw action in 16 of the Wildcats’ 32 of 90-13...As a senior he averaged 16.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, games...As a freshman, he averaged 5.3 minutes per game...His 5.1 assists and 3.1 steals...He led the Bruins, who were ranked freshman season was highlighted by solid play against Duke fi rst in the state for much of the season and as high as third and Indiana. nationally by USA Today, to a 32-2 record in 2001...Chiles was namedfi rst-teamAll-State by both the Louisville Courier-Journal and the Lexington Herald-Leader and a second-team pick by The Associated Press... Following his senior season, he was Chiles’ Career Highs a member of the Kentucky All-Star and Derby Festival teams... Points ...... 21 vs. Jacksonville St. (1/17/04) Chiles was a key reserve during his sophomore campaign, av- Rebounds ...... 7 vs. Chicago St. (12/13/03) eraging 8.5 ppg as the Bruins captured the 1999 KHSAA Sweet Assists ...... 11 vs. Southern Miss (11/29/03) 16 Championship. Steals ...... 6 vs. SIU-Edwardsville (11/26/03) FGM ...... 8 vs. Jacksonville St. (1/17/04) Personal Majoringin sociology...Son of Marion and Yvette Chiles...Born FGA ...... 14 vs. W. Kentucky (12/7/03) on Dec. 16, 1982. 3PM ...... 3 vs. Two Teams FTM ...... 8 vs. SE Missouri (2/7/04) FTA ...... 8 vs. SE Missouri (2/7/04 2004-2005 Murray State Basketball State 2004-2005 Murray Blocks...... 2 vs. Texas A&M-CC (1/26/04)
III Minutes ...... 31 vs. Three Teams
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MSU Basketball guide 04-05 24-75.indd 28 7/13/2010 10:08:36 AM Racer Basketball TThehe Players
III
AAdamdam 2004-2005 Murray State Basketball CChileshiles
chiles' career stats Year GP-GS FG-FGA Pct. 3FG-3FGA Pct. FT-FTA Pct. Reb Avg. Pf-D A Blk Stl Pts Avg. 2003-04 29-24 108-246 .439 26-83 .313 51-73 .699 74 2.6 75-1 133 10 50 293 10.1 TOTALS 29-24 108-246 .439 26-83 .313 51-73 .699 74 2.6 75-1 133 10 50 293 10.1
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MSU Basketball guide 04-05 24-75.indd 29 7/13/2010 10:08:37 AM players TThehe Players Racer Basketball Pearson Griffi th 4444 CenterCe JJunior-RSunior-RS 66-10-10 224040 St.StS Thomas, Barbados (Murray St. CC) SSociologyociology
After redshirting last year at Murray State to gain experience, is expected to play a big role for the Racers this season...Came to Murray State last year with excellent credentials out of Mur- ray State (Okla.) Junior College...Has great size and mobility which should make him an ideal center in the Racers' full-court scheme...Long arms (7-foot-2 wing span) and uncanny timing will allow him to be one of the top shot-blockers in the OVC this season...Will vie for the starting center job...Solid off ensive skills, but still a little raw because of a lack of experience...Signed with Murray State in the fall of 2002.
2003-2004 Redshirted fi rst year at Murray State...Used redshirt year to gain experience and improve off ensive skills...Was able to prac- tice with the team despite not playing...Made major strides this summerby playing for Barbados’ national basketball team at the CentroBasket Tournament in the Dominican Republic...Averged 17.5 ppg and 9.8 rebounds in fi ve games for the Bajan...Had a tournament-high 23 points in a loss to host Domincan Repub- lic.
Before MSU Enjoyed two solid seasons at Murray State College in Tishomingo, Okla...Played for head coach Mike St. John...In 2002-2003 as a sophomore, emerged as one of the top junior college centers in the country...He was ranked by one recruit- ing service as the No. 8 Juco center in the country prior to his sophomore season...Averaged 15.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg and blocked 68 shots...As a freshman averaged 9.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg and blocked 63 shots.
High School Attended St. James Secondary School in Holetown, St. James, Barbados...Was one of the top players in Barbados during his high school career...In addition to playing basketball, also competed in cricket and soccer.
Personal Is majoring in sociology at Murray State...Son of Juliet Licorish...Born on Nov. 24, 1981. 2004-2005 Murray State Basketball State 2004-2005 Murray III
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MSU Basketball guide 04-05 24-75.indd 30 7/13/2010 10:08:39 AM Racer Basketball TThehe Players Darnell Hopkins 1144 GuardGuG JJunior-TRunior-TR 66-2-2 220000 Baltimore,Ba Md. (San Jacinto JC) AAdvertisingdvertising
A solid all-around guard who will provide immediate depth to the Racer backcourt in his fi rst season at Murray State...Is versatile enough to play several positions for the Racers...Fundamentally sound in all phases of the game with a good court awareness...Strong, physical player who can get to the basket through traffi c, but also capable of knocking down the three-point shot...Strength and quickness also allows him to be a terrifi c perimeter defender...Signed with Murray State in May out of San Jacinto Junior College.
Before MSU Had two solid seasons at San Jacinto Junior College in Pasadena,Texas under head coach Scott Gernander...Helped lead San Jacinto to a two-year record of 57-14...As a sophomore last season, averaged 14.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game whileshooting 49.5 percent from the fi eld...Earnedsecond-team All-Conference and second team All-Tournament honors after helping lead San Jacinto to a 27-4 record...As a freshman, av- eraged 7.5 ppg off the bench and helped lead San Jacinto to theNJCAA Tournament championship game...He hit the game- winning shot against Coff eyville (Kan.) CC in the fi rst round of the national tournament.
High School Attended prestigiousTowson Catholic High School in Bal- timore, Md., under head coach Mike Daniels...Played with cur- rent Racer Keith Jenifer at Towson...Also played with Carmelo Anthonyof the Denver Nuggets...Was named fi rst-teamAll-City and All-County as a senior...Averaged 21.0 ppg and 8.0 rpg as a senior in helping lead the Owls to an 18-10 record...Was a second team All-Metro selection as a senior...As a junior, averaged 19.0 ppg and 6.0 rpg and earned fi rst-team All-City, All-County and All-Metro as Towson went 21-11...Averaged 13.0 pg and 5.0 rpg as a sophomore and helped lead Towson to a 29-8 record and a Catholic Conference title...Was named III
second-teamAll-Tournament...As a freshman averaged 8.0 ppg 2004-2005 Murray State Basketball and 2.0 rpg to lead Towson to a 25-10 record and a Catholic Conferencechampionship...Also played baseball and golf while at Towson.
Personal Is majoring in advertising at Murray State...Son of Sheree Brooks and Don Hopkins...Born on Feb. 20, 1984..Played foot- ball and basketball with Carmelo Anthony from the time he was 8-years-old through high school.
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MSU Basketball guide 04-05 24-75.indd 31 7/13/2010 10:08:40 AM players TThehe Players Racer Basketball Reggie Jackson 4433 ForwardFoForw JJunior-TRunior-TR 66-8-8 223535 Denver,Deen Colo. (Lamar CC) BBusinessusiness
Talented big man should be a major contributor in his fi rst season at Murray State...Will see action at the post position for the Racers, providing an inside presence along with Pearson Griffi th...Despite size has a very soft touch around the basket, as well as solid post moves...Has improved mobility in short time he’s been in the program through his hard work in the Racers’ pre-season conditioning program...Signed with Murray State last spring.
Before MSU Turned in a solid two-year career at Lamar Community Col- lege in Colorado...Played for head coach Chris Bauman...Was part of an amazing turnaround at Lamar over the last two seasons...After a 9-22 record in 2002-2003, Jackson helped lead Lamar to a school-record 28 wins during the 28-5 2003- 2004 campaign...As a sophomore last season, he averaged 17.0 ppg and 9.0 rpg...As a freshman in 2002-2003, he put up 12.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg and 2.0 assists per game.
High School Had a stellar four-year career at Montbello High School in Denver, Colo., under head coach Lewis Ray...Was a prolifi c scorer at Montbello, leading the state of Colorado in scoring as a senior with three 40-point games...Averaged nearly 30 points per game in his fi nal season...Didn’t play organized basketball until his freshman season in 1999...During his freshman season, averaged 10.0 ppg and 5.0 rpg...Played football as a freshman andsophomore...An excellent student, sported a 3.9 grade point average.
Personal Is majoring in business at Murray State...Son of Angie Watkins...Born on May 31, 1984. 2004-2005 Murray State Basketball State 2004-2005 Murray III
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MSU Basketball guide 04-05 24-75.indd 32 7/13/2010 10:08:42 AM Racer Basketball TThehe Players Keith Jenifer 1100 GuardGua JJunior-TRunior-TR 66-2-2 118080 Baltimore,Balt Md. (Univ. of Virginia) SSociologyociology
A transfer from the University ofVirginia, is in his second year at Murray State but will be eligible to compete this season...Sat out last year due to NCAA transfer rules but was able to practice with the team...Will battle for the starting point guard spot...An ultra-quick point guard who should fi t in well with the Racers' up-tempo style...A capable scorer, but his game is penetration and getting the ball to his teammates...Prefers to pass rather than take the shot...Though he sat out last year, experience gained in ACC while at Virginia should be vital to the Racers this season.
Before MSU Sat out last season to satisfy NCAA transfer rules...Practiced with the team during the season and provided stiff competition to Racer starters in scrimmages...Used time off last season to gain size and strength.
Before MSU Played two seasons at Virginia of the Atlantic Coast Conference...Played for Pete Gillen...Saw action in 19 games 2002-2003, scoring 5.4 points per game...Had 13 points in win over Kentucky in Maui Classic...Had an outstanding fi rst year for the Cavaliers, playing in all 29 games...He started 15 of the last 18...Was honorable mention selection to the 2002 ACC All-Freshman Team...Second on the team in assists with 2.8 apg as a freshman, which was 11th in the ACC...Led Cavs in assists 10 times...Scored a season-high 10 points and dished out six assists in a victory over Duke as a freshman...Scored a key fi eld goal on a drive to the basket in a win over North Carolina...Played one season at Hargrave Military Academy in 2000-01 under head coach Kevin Keatts...Averaged 13 points and 11 assists in leading Hargrave to 27-1 record.
High School
Graduated fromTowson Catholic in Baltimore, Md., where Personal III
he played for head coach Mike Daniels...Attended same high Made the Dean’s List in fi ve of six marking periods during the 2004-2005 Murray State Basketball school as Carmelo Anthony, Juan Dixon and Sam Cassell...Was 2000-2001school year at Hargrave Military Academy...Majoring a fi rst-team all-state, all-Metro and allBaltimore City selection as in sociology at Murray State...Son of Gwen Johnson and the a senior...Averaged 18.8 points, 6.0 assists and seven rebounds late Keith Jenifer...Stepfather is Robert Johnson...Born on Feb. per game as a senior atTowson...Team fi nished 30-10 his senior 12, 1982. season...Was an all-state second-team selection as a junior after averaging 16.3 points and 5.0 assists per game...Team fi nished 26-9 his junior season...Attended the ABCD/Adidas Camp in New Jersey prior to his junior season...Became a starter at Towson during his sophomore season, earning third-team All- Baltimore Catholic League after averaging 14.7 points and 5.0 assists per game...Was the sixth man at Towson Catholic as a freshman.
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MSU Basketball guide 04-05 24-75.indd 33 7/13/2010 10:08:44 AM players TThehe Players Racer Basketball Charles Johnson 2211 ForwardForwr JJunior-TRunior-TR 66-7-7 222020 Atlanta,Atlaa Ga. (South Plains Coll.) SSociologyociology
A key addition to this year’s Racer squad who will see immedi- ate action in his fi rst season...Gives the Racers an athletic front- court player who will be a reliable defender and rebounder...Not a major scorer in junior college, has impressed coaches with his mid-range off ensive game...Leaping ability and quickness make him a strong fi nisher around the basket...Quickness and agility makes him a natural in the Racers’ full-court pressure defense...Was a teammate of Racer newcomer Issian Redding at South Plains College...Signed with MSU, along with Redding, last November.
Before MSU Had a solid junior college career, fi rst attending Dixie State in Utah, before transferring to South Plains College in Levelland, Texas...In his freshman season at Dixie State, Johnson aver- aged 8.0 ppg and 6.0 rpg to earn team player of the week honors three times in 2002-2003...Dixie State fi nished the season 30-6 and fi nished the year ranked No. 3 in the nation...Last season at South Plains, where he played for head coach Steve Green, Johnson was solid in the team’s 24-8 campaign.
High School Played high school basketball at North Clayton High School in Atlanta, Ga...Had a terrifi c senior season in which he aver- aged 24.0 ppg and 8.0 rpg in the Eagles’ 22-7 campaign...As a senior in 2001-2002 he earned fi rst-team All-State honors, as well as team MVP honors...He helped lead North Clayton to a regional championship as a senior.
Personal Is majoring in sociology at Murray State...Is the son of Charles Sr. and Pamela Johnson...Born on June 6, 1984...Attended his senior prom with R&B performer Ciara. 2004-2005 Murray State Basketball State 2004-2005 Murray III
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MSU Basketball guide 04-05 24-75.indd 34 7/13/2010 10:08:45 AM Racer Basketball TThehe Players Issian Redding 4400 ForwardForFo JJunior-TRunior-TR 66-7-7 220000 Sandusky,SanS Ohio (South Plains Coll.) SSocialocial SSciencesciences
A highly-touted player who should make a major impact in his fi rst year at Murray State...Will vie for a starting role at small forward and is a candidate for All-OVC and OVC Newcomer of Year honors...A versatile player who gives the Racers a talented scorer from a wing position...Has the explosion to drive past defenders to the basket, but the left-hander also has a soft shooting touch to drill the open shot...Long arms and quickness also make him a solid defender, especially in the team’s full- court defense...Has a good feel for the game and is a skilled passer...Signed with MSU last November, along with former South Plains College teammate Charles Johnson.
Before MSU Was a two-year standout and highly-recruited performer at South Plains College in Levelland, Texas...Played for head coach Steve Green at South Plains...Last season, he earned fi rst-team All-Conference honors after averaging 15.0 ppg and 6.0 rpg during South Plains’ 24-8 season...As a freshman, Red- ding averaged 6.0 ppg and 3.0 rpg as South Plains turned in a 31-4 campaign and won a conference and regional title.
High School Enjoyed an impressive prep career at Sandusky (Ohio) High School where he played for head coach Rich Wennes his fi nal two seasons...Averaged a double-double during his junior and senior seasons and established himself as one of the top players in Ohio...As a senior averaged 21.0 ppg and 11.0 rpg in leading the Blue Streaks to a Sectional championship...As a senior in 2002he earned fi rst-teamAll-District and All-Conference honors and was second-team All-Ohio...As a junior, he scored 21.0 ppg andpulled down 12.0 rpg while once again earning fi rst-teamAll- District and All-Conference honors...He was also an honorable mention all-state pick...During his sophomore season, Redding averaged 6.0 ppg and 5.0 rpg to earn honorable mention All- District honors. III
2004-2005 Murray State Basketball Personal Is majoring in social sciences at Murray State...Is the son of Denise Germon...Born on Feb. 8, 1984...Is a close friend of St. Louis Rams off ensive tackle Orlando Pace who attended Sandusky High School.
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MSU Basketball guide 04-05 24-75.indd 35 7/13/2010 10:08:47 AM players TThehe Players Racer Basketball Trey Pearson 0 GuardGuuaua SSoph-TRoph-TR 66-2-2 118484 SouthSSooutouut Fulton, Tenn. (Univ. of Miss.) SSociologyociology
One of the most talented players to come to Murray State in many years, will be eligible to play in ‘04-’05 after sitting out last season...Transferred to MSU from Ole Miss a year ago...Will likely start at one of the guard positions and will be a candidate for All-OVC honors, as well as OVC Newcomer of theYear...Handles and shoots the ball extremely well and could play either the point or shooting guard positions...Quickness and athleticism should make him an excellent fi t in the Racers' up-tempo attack...Gained strength during the last year in the Racers’ strength and conditioning program...Hails from nearby South Fulton, Tenn., which is less than 50 miles from Murray.
2003-2004 Sat last year under NCAA transfer rules...Was able to practice with the team and was a valuable member of the Racers’ scout team, pushing his teammates each day in practice...Improved strengthand added weight while working in the Racers’ strength program.
Before MSU Turned in an impressive freshman season at Ole Miss as the Rebels fi nished with a 14-15 record...Played primarily the point guard position, seeing action in all 29 games and starting all but fi ve games...Averaged 25.6 minutes per game which was fourth on the team...Posted solid numbers, averaging 4.5 points per game...Pearson shot 50.0% from the fi eld, 43.2% (19-of-44) from 3-point range and 65.4% from the free throw line...Had 78 assists (2.7 apg) to rank second on the team...His assist-to- turnover ratio of 1.8 was tops on the team among regulars and one of the best in the SEC...Scored in all but two games with a season high of 10 points (vs. Auburn and Georgia).
High School Enjoyed a remarkable career at South Fulton (Tenn.) High School...Named Tennessee's Class A Mr. Basketball for 2001- 02...Started all four years at South Fulton and earned Tennes- see All-State honors as a sophomore, junior and senior...Was also an All-Region and All-District pick all four years...Led Red Devils to a 99-20 record in his four seasons...Finished his career with 2,485 points for a scoring average on 20.9 ppg...Averaged Personal 29.5 points per game as a senior with 5.6 steals and 5.1 Is majoring in sociology at Murray State...Is the son of Preston assists...Netted over 40 points in four games...Following his Pearson and Oma Pruitt...Born on May 31, 1984. senior season he was selected to play in theTennessee-Georgia High School All-Star Game and fi nished with a game-high 30 points...As a junior, averaged 25.2 ppg, 10.4 rpg and helped lead South Fulton to theTennessee state fi nals...In Class A semifi nal game, set a tournament record by scoring 50 points, including 23 points in one quarter...As a sophomore scored 24.7 ppg and helped lead South Fulton to the Tennessee State Class A state title...Earnedstate tournament MVP honors as a sophomore...As 2004-2005 Murray State Basketball State 2004-2005 Murray a freshman he averaged 16.0 ppg and 6.8 rpg. III
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MSU Basketball guide 04-05 24-75.indd 36 7/13/2010 10:08:48 AM Racer Basketball TThehe Players ShawnWitherspoon 2222 SSoph-1Loph-1L 66-5-5 221515 Oviedo,O Fla. (Oviedo HS) AAdvertisingdvertising
One of the most highly regarded players to ever sign with Murray State...Is anxious to begin second year with the Racers after a successful freshman campaign in 2003-2004...Will vie for a starting spot this season, as one of only two players to return this season who saw extensive action last season...Will likely see ac- tion at a wing, playing primarily in the paint...Not a big scorer last season, but is capable of putting up solid numbers by slashing to the basket and picking up off ensive boards...Is a tremendous de- fender in the Racers’ press and will be counted on heavily in that role this season...Has a tremendous work ethic, a great motor and a real passion for the game of basketball...Long arms and aggres- sive nature allow him to excel on defense and on the boards.
2003-2004 Was a pleasant surprise and a valuable contributor in fi rst season with the Racers a year ago...Saw action in all 34 games a year ago, coming off the bench and playing 14.0 minutes per game...Played a season-high 27 minutes in win over Morehead State on Jan. 31...Averaged 5.3 points per game with a high of 15 against Chicago State...Scored in double fi gures eight times...Averaged 7.6 ppg and 4.5 rpg in fi nal six games of the season...Was 5-of-7 from 3-point range in fi nal six games...Scored 12 points in OVC Tournament semifi nal win over Morehead.
2002-2003 Redshirted his fi rst year at Murray State...Practiced with the team and dressed for all 29 games.
High School Was one of the top players in Florida while attending Oviedo High School near Orlando...Played for head coach Ed Kersh- ner at Oviedo...Named Florida's 6A Player of the Year as a junior and a three-time First-Team All-State selection...Named Seminole County Player of theYear as a sophomore, junior and line...Had highs of 37 points and 17 rebounds as a senior last senior...Owns the central Florida all-time scoring record with season...Named Player of the Year in Seminole County and 2,401 career points...Helped lead the Lions to a four-year record was also a First-Team All-State selection and honorable mention of 97-26...Was MostValuable Player at Oviedo as a sophomore, McDonald's All-American...Had an outstanding year as a junior, III
junior and senior...As a senior scored 22.0 ppg and grabbed 11.0 earning 6A Player of theYear in the state of Florida...First-Team 2004-2005 Murray State Basketball rpg...He shot 68% from the fi eld and 75% from the free throw All-State and Player of theYear in Seminole County...Averaged 21.0 ppg and 11.0 rpg in his junior season, helping Oviedo to a 29-2 record...As a sophomore, averaged 20.0 ppg and 11.0 Witherspoon’s Career Highs rpg...Earned First-Team All-State and MVP of the team, as well as player of the year in the county...Earned honorable mention all- Points ...... 15 vs. Chicago St. (12/13/03) state honors as a freshman after scoring 13.0 ppg and 7.0 rpg. Rebounds ...... 9 vs. UT Martin (2/17/04) Assists ...... 5 vs. UT Martin (2/17/04) Personal Steals ...... 3 vs. Two Teams Majoring in advertising at MSU...Son of Ingrid and Eddie FGM ...... 7 vs. Chicago St. (12/13/03) Witherspoon...Born on Oct. 13, 1983. FGA ...... 11 vs. E. Kentucky (1/29/04) 3PM ...... 2 vs. E. Illinois (2/28/04) FTM ...... 3 vs. Two Teams FTA ...... 4 vs. Five Teams Blocks...... 2 vs. Three Teams Minutes ...... 27 vs. Morehead St. (1/31/04)
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MSU Basketball guide 04-05 24-75.indd 37 7/13/2010 10:08:50 AM players TThehe Players Racer Basketball T.J. Wolf 3 GuardGuua SSoph-1Loph-1L 55-11-11 119090 Martinsville,Maar Ind. (Barton County CC) HHealth/Physicalealth/Physical EducationEducation
A walk-on in his second year at Murray State, will help add depth at the guard position...Tough, hard-nosed player with solid ballhandling and passing skills...Could see action at both point guard and shooting guard slots...Has a great knowledge of the game as the son of a high school basketball coach...Joined Murray State program prior to last season.
2003-2004 Provided solid help off the bench for the Racers in his fi rst season at Murray State...Saw action in 15 games and aver- aged 3.8 minutes per game in‘03-’04...Played a season- and career-high eight minutes against Eastern Illinois on Feb. 28...Averaged 0.7 ppg and 0.4 rpg...Scored a career-high six points atTennessee-Martin...Was 2-for-6 from three-point range on the season.
Before MSU Redshirted in 2002-2003 as a true freshman at Barton County Community College...Practiced with the team but did not play...Played for his older brother, Ryan, at Barton Coun- ty.
High School Was a four-year standout at Martinsville High School in Indiana...Played for his father,Tim Wolf, at Martinsville...Was selected All-Conference four straight seasons...Was the Metro Player of theYear as a junior and senior...Was an All-Sectional pick all four years in high school...As a senior averaged 18.0 ppg, 7.0 apg and 5.0 rpg...Named to the Indianapolis Star Su- perTeam following his senior season...As a junior averaged 15.0 ppg, 6.0 apg and 4.0 rpg.
Personal Majoring in health and physical education at Murray State...Son of Tim and Debby Wolf...Born on April 5, 1983. 2004-2005 Murray State Basketball State 2004-2005 Murray III
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MSU Basketball guide 04-05 24-75.indd 38 7/13/2010 10:08:51 AM Racer Basketball TThehe Players A.J. Adams 2233 GuardGuaa FFrosh-HSrosh-HS 66-4-4 118686 MayfiMaMayy eld, Ky. (Graves County HS) BBiologyiology
Talentedwalk-on from nearby Graves County who should give the Racers a solid contributor off the bench...Will help provide depth this season, but could be a candidate to redshirt...With his long-range shooting touch and athletic ability, gives the Racers a much-needed zone buster...Coaches like his athletic ability on off ense and aggressiveness on the defensive end...Should provide toughness off the bench with his all-out style of play.
High School Turned in a notable four-year career at Graves County High School, playing for head coach Allan Hatcher...Helped lead the Eagles to three Second District championships during his four- year stint at Graves...Was a three-time All-District selection...As a senior, averaged 18.0 ppg and 7.0 rpg to earn District Player of theYear honors, as well as spots on the All-District and All-Pur- chase Area teams...Graves went 23-6 and captured the district title his senior season...Was a member of the All-District Team as a sophomore...Also participated in track and fi eld at Graves Countywhere he competed in the high jump...Academically, he carried a 3.72 grade point average.
Personal Is majoring in biology at Murray State...Is the son of Steve and Denise Adams...Born on Oct. 7, 1985.
III
2004-2005 Murray State Basketball
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MSU Basketball guide 04-05 24-75.indd 39 7/13/2010 10:08:53 AM players TThehe Players Racer Basketball Shane Dansby 2 ForwardFororww FFrosh-HSrosh-HS 66-5-5 220000 KingstonKinKing Springs, Tenn. (Harpeth HS) UUndeclaredndeclared
Physically-gifted young player who is expected to have a tremendouscareer at Murray State...Despite youth and inexperi- ence at the college level, could see considerable action in his fi rst year at MSU...Has all the tools to be top-notch collegiate wing player during his career...Combines athletic ability and aggressiveness...Despite playing inside for much of his high school career, has a strong perimeter game...Leaping ability makes him a tough fi nisher around the basket, but also has a soft shooting touch from three-point range...Signed with MSU last November.
High School Was a four-year standout at Harpeth High School outside of Nashville, Tenn...Played for head coach Jamie Wilson...Was a four-year starter and one of the top players in the state of Tennessee...As a senior earned All-State honors and was se- lected to play forTennessee in theTennessee-Georgia All-Star Game...He avereraged 22.6 ppg and 12.0 rpg as a senior for Harpeth...As a junior he averaged 20.0 ppg and 11.0 rpg.
Personal Is undecided upon a major at Murray State...Is the son of Nannie Dansby...Born on March 14, 1986. 2004-2005 Murray State Basketball State 2004-2005 Murray III
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MSU Basketball guide 04-05 24-75.indd 40 7/13/2010 10:08:54 AM Racer Basketball TThehe Players Jimmie Lee Holder1 GuardGua FFrosh-HSrosh-HS 66-0-0 118080 Benton,Bennt Ky. (Marshall County) EEducationducation
Awalk-on from nearby Marshall County High School who will provide depth in his fi rst year at Murray State...Could redshirt his fi rst year with the Racers as he gains size and strength in theRacers’ strength and conditioning program...An outstanding shooter, gives the Racers a zone-busting threat in the half- court...Is a heady player who has a great knowledge of the game and handles the ball very well...Joined the program prior to the fall semester.
High School Played high school basketball at Marshall County where he established himself as one of the top players in western Kentucky...Played for head coach Doug Lyles at Marshall where helped lead the Marshals to three Fourth District titles...Was a three-time All-Purchase Area selection during his career...As a senior in 2004, he averaged 15.0 ppg, 5.0 apg and 3.0 rpg in helping lead Marshall to a 20-8 record...In addition to All-Pur- chase Area honors, he was named MVP of the prestigious Hoop Fest tournament...He averaged 17.0 pg and 4.0 apg as a junior, earning honorable mention All-State honors from the Courier- Journal...As a sophomore, he averaged 10.0 ppg and 3.0 apg during the Marshals’ 23-5 campaign in which the advanced to the First RegionTournament title game...Coming off the bench as a freshman, Holder averaged 1.0 ppg as the Marshals went 25-6 and won the Fourth District championship...Also played golf at Marshall County.
Personal Is planning to major in education at Murray State...Is the son of Jesse and Teresa Holder...Born on May 9, 1985.
III
2004-2005 Murray State Basketball
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MSU Basketball guide 04-05 24-75.indd 41 7/13/2010 10:08:56 AM players TThehe Players Racer Basketball Mike McCoy 5 ForwardFoFoorwrw FFrosh-HSrosh-HS 66-7-7 220000 Indianapolis,Inddia Ind. (Pike HS) UUndeclaredndeclared
Top-fl ightathlete who has a bright future at Murray State...Will help provide depth in his freshman year, but will play a major role in the program as he gains experience...Has the ability to play several positions at the collegiate level despite playing the post primarily in high school...Has a 7-foot wing span and that com- bined with his leaping ability make him a tenacious rebounder and shot blocker...Despite playing inside during his high school career, has the perimeter skills to move out on the fl oor and still be eff ective...Signed with Murray State last November.
High School Enjoyed a solid career at highly-regarded Pike High School in Indianapolis, Ind...Played for head coach Larry Bullington...During his time at Pike, the Red Devils were one of the top high school programs in the nation...In addition to two Indiana state championships, Pike was ranked No. 2 in the nation by USA Today at the end of his junior season...He played sparingly as a junior because of talented players ahead of him - six players from that team in 2003 signed Division I scholarships...As a junior, McCoy averaged 7.0 ppg and 6.5 rpg...As a senior, he averaged 14.0 ppg and 10.0 rpg for the Red Devils...Last year, he helped lead Pike to a Sectional champion- ship.
Personal Is undecided upon a major as he enters his freshman year at Murray State...Is the son of Marcus and Rhonda McCoy...Born on June 27, 1985. 2004-2005 Murray State Basketball State 2004-2005 Murray III
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MSU Basketball guide 04-05 24-75.indd 42 7/13/2010 10:08:58 AM Racer Basketball TThehe Players Justin Orr 2255 ForwardForF rw FFrosh-HSrosh-HS 66-6-6 119090 Cincinnati,Cinnc Ohio (LaSalle HS) BBusinessusiness ManagementManagement
Talented young athlete who will be a major component of the Racers’ program for the next four years...Will help provide depth in his fi rst year, but is expected to play a major role in the program as he gains experience...Is fully recovered from a knee injury which ended his senior season last February...Has ideal size to be a stellar wing player, especially with his ballhandling skills and shooting ability...Sees the fl oor well and understands the game...Though he has a slender build, isn’t afraid to oper- ate in traffi c or hit the glass...Signed with Murray State last spring.
High School Was a solid performer at prestigious LaSalle High School in Cincinnati...Had a bittersweet senior season at LaSalle, which included early-season success and late-season injury...Suff ered a minor knee injury in February and missed the remainder of the season...Prior to the injury, Orr led LaSalle to a No. 1 state ranking and a 19-0 record...As a senior, Orr averaged 17.8 ppg and 6.3 rpg, which earned him fi rst-team All-City by the Cincinnati Enquirer and Greater Catholic League South Player of the Year honors...Was one of Cincinnati’s top players as a sophomore and junior.
Personal Plans to major in business management as he enters his freshman year at Murray State...Is the son of Lindsay and Peggy Orr...Born on April 17, 1986...Is the nephew of former NBA player Louis Orr and current Seton Hall coach...Attended the same high school as Racer head coach Mick Cronin.
III
2004-2005 Murray State Basketball
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MSU Basketball guide 04-05 24-75.indd 43 7/13/2010 10:09:00 AM players TThehe Players Racer Basketball Class of '04
NNathanathan AkinAkin
RRickick JJonesones
AAndindi HHornigornig
TTimim HaworthHaworth CChrishris ShumateShumate CCuthbertuthbert VVictorictor 2004-2005 Murray State Basketball State 2004-2005 Murray
III PPetaretar RRonceviconcevic KKevinevin PPaschelaschel AAntionentioneWWhelchel helchel
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MSU Basketball guide 04-05 24-75.indd 44 7/13/2010 10:09:01 AM Racer Basketball TThehe Players CClasslass ooff ''0404
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