MMurrayurray StateState BBasketballasketball racers 2005-2006 championship tradition
winning has never stopped “...players have come and gone, but the 19 winning has never stopped.” Larry Donald - Basketball Times February 2000
ovc championships Murray State has won 19 Ohio Valley Conference championships, the most of any school in the conference. Murray State has won 12 of the last 18 OVC titles.
ncaa tournament Murray State has been to the NCAA Tournament 12 times in its history, including fi ve times in the last nine years. 12 CContentsontents Quick Facts
XThis Is Racer Basketball XThe History Racer Basketball Facts...... 1 Racer Team Records ...... 79 Contents ...... 2 Scoring Records ...... 81 Quick Facts...... 3 Rebounding Records ...... 82 ‘04-’04 Season Recap ...... 4-5 Field Goal Records ...... 84 This Is Racer Basketball ...... 6-7 Three-Point Records ...... 85 Championships ...... 8-9 Free Throw Records ...... 86 NCAA Tournament ...... 10-11 Miscellaneous Records ...... 87 Racer Basketball Legends...... 12-13 Coaching Records ...... 88 Mick Cronin...... 14-15 RSEC Records ...... 89 Cronin Basketball ...... 16 NCAA Tournament Records ...... 90 Student-Athlete Development...... 17 NCAA Tournament Boxscores ...... 91 Academic Support ...... 18-19 All-OVC Selections ...... 92 Basketball Facilities ...... 20-21 All-Time Letterwinners ...... 93 The University...... 22-23 All-Time Series ...... 95 Year-By-Year Results ...... 96 XSeason Outlook 2005-2006 Preview...... 24 XUniversity & MSU Athletics 2005-2006 Roster ...... 26 President, Dr. F. King Alexander/Board of Regents 103 TV/Radio Roster ...... 27 Director of Athletics, Allen Ward ...... 104 Athletic Administration ...... 105 XThe Players Athletic Staff/Head Coaches ...... 106 Trey Pearson ...... 28 Weaver Academic Center ...... 107 Keith Jenifer ...... 30 Murray State University ...... 108-111 Pearson Griffi th...... 32 Chuck Johnson ...... 34 XThe Ohio Valley Conference Darnell Hopkins ...... 36 OVC Administration ...... 112 Issian Redding ...... 38 OVC history and map ...... 113 Shawn Witherspoon ...... 40 Justin Orr ...... 42 XMedia Information T.J. Wolf ...... 44 Media Guidelines ...... 114 Mike McCoy ...... 46 The Racer Networks ...... 115 Rob Kennedy ...... 47 Tyler Holloway ...... 48 Tony Easley ...... 49 Marqise Wright ...... 50 Jarad Key ...... 51
XThe Coaches Mick Cronin...... 52 Darren Savino...... 56 Chris Goggin...... 57 Matt Grady ...... 58 Support Staff ...... 59
X2004-2005 Review Season Review...... 60 2004-2005 Results ...... 61 2004-2005 Statistics ...... 62 2004-2005 Boxscores...... 63 OVC Standings/Stats...... 67
XThe Opponents Austin Peay/Eastern Illinois ...... 68 Eastern Kentucky/Jacksonville State...... 69 Morehead State/Samford ...... 70 Southeast Missouri/Tennessee-Martin ...... 71 Tennessee State/Tennessee Tech ...... 72 Cincinnati/Campbellsville...... 73 Tennessee/Texas-San Antonio ...... 74 Southern Illinois/Rice ...... 75 OVC Tournament ...... 76 NCAA Tournament ...... 77 Contents QQuickuick FFactsacts XGeneral Information XTeam Information Location ...... Murray, Ky. (42071) • 2004-05 Overall Record ...... 17-11 Founded ...... 1922 • 2004-05 OVC Record/Finish ...... 11-5 (2nd) Enrollment ...... 10,200 • Starters Returning ...... 5 Colors ...... Navy & Gold • Starters Lost ...... 0 Nickname...... Racers Pearson Griffi th, Sr., C (4.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg) Conference ...... Ohio Valley Trey Pearson, Jr., 6-2, G (14.5 ppg, 3.7 apg) Arena ...... Regional Special Events Center (8,600) Keith Jenifer, Sr., 6-2, G (7.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg) President ...... Dr. F. King Alexander Justin Orr, So., 6-6, F (4.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg) Athletic Director ...... Allen Ward Shawn Witherspoon, Jr., 6-5, F (9.6 ppg, 5.0 rpg) • Lettermen Returning ...... 4 Darnell Hopkins, 6-2, Sr., G (10.1 ppg, 1.5 apg) XCoaching Information Isssian Redding, 6-5, Sr., F (8.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg) Head Coach ...... Mick Cronin Chuck Johnson, 6-7, Sr., F, (4.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg) • Alma Mater ...... Cincinnati ’97 T.J. Wolf, 5-11, Jr., G (1.2 ppg, 0.6 apg) • Career/MSU Record ...... 45-17 (3rd Season) • Newcomers ...... 6 Marqise Wright, 6-5, Fr., F Assistant Coaches Tyler Holloway, 6-2, Fr., G • Darren Savino ...... Jersey City State Coll. ‘94 Mike McCoy, 6-7, Fr., F • Chris Goggin ...... Toledo ‘98 Jared Key, 6-2, Fr., G • Matt Grady ...... Saint Joseph’s ‘01 Tony Easley, 6-10, Fr., G Rob Kennedy, 6-8, So., F Support Staff • Athletic Trainer ...... Eric Frederick (TCU ‘92) • Strength Coach ...... Mike Vinson (Arkansas ‘93) • Secretary ...... Cheryl Whitaker
XMedia Relations Information • Director/Basketball Contact ...... Dave Winder Offi ce Phone ...... (270) 762-4271 Cell ...... (270) 227-1846 Home ...... (270) 759-8885 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 ...... 81 • All-Time Record ...... 1,316-764 (.632) • All-Time OVC Record ...... 496-390 (.559) • OVC Championships ...... 19 • NCAA Tournament Appearances ...... 12
credits The 2005-2006 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 Dave Winder and Ryne Rickman. Photography provided by Danny Vowell, Cindi Cripps, Julie Brown, Don McQuistion and Shirley Martin and Dave Winder. Printing was done by Printing Services and Supplies of Murray, Ky. ‘04-’05 SSeasoneason RRevieweview
the season The Racers were a team trying to replace nine senior leaders from the 28-6 team from ‘03-04. Despite having only one returning scholarship player from that championship team, the Racers still managed a 17-11 overall record and a second place fi nish in the OVC.
determined to return to the top Many programs would be satisfi ed with a 17-11 mark and sec- ond place in their conference, but as one of the top mid-major programs in the country, MSU is far from satisfi ed. All of the Racer players have made tremendous gains during off-sea- son strength and conditioning programs. That fact, coupled with a successful late summer trip to Canada has MSU deter- mined to fi nd their way back to the top of the OVC, RReturningeturning toto thethe Season NNCAA’sCAA’s
Review the adventure The Racers have all the pieces to make a re- turn to the NCAA Tour- nament in March. In 2004-05, the Racers fi nished the Ohio Val- ley Conference regu- lar season in second place. The Racers are ready to win the title for the fi rst time since 2000. In ‘03-04, the Racers also fi nished second in the OVC, but cut down the nets in Nashville as they won their 12th OVC Tourna- ment title.
bracket busters season notes For the fi rst time, the Rac- ers were part of the ESPN The Racers were al- most always in close Bracket Buster Saturday. games. In fact, eight of The Racers drew the Rice their 11 loses were by Owls and a trip to Hous- ten points or less. ton, Texas, where the MSU closed the regu- Racers prevailed 69-63. lar season winning fi ve of its last six games, including three straight on the road. National ESPN audiences got to see the Racers at their best duing this streak, as they defeated rival Austin Peay by nine and won by six at Rice in the ESPN Bracket Buster game. Mick Cronin and Trey Pear- son enjoyed an interview on ESPN after winning at Rice. RRaceracer BBasketballasketball
MSU students fl ock to the Regional Special Events Center, while the Racer cheeerleaders, pep band and dance team provide the electric atmosphere of every Racer home game.
TTherehere aarere nono ccollegeollege bbasketballasketball ffansans iinn tthehe ccountryountry mmoreore lloyaloyal tthanhan tthehe RRaceracer ffans.ans. WWhetherhether aatt hhomeome oorr oonn tthehe rroad,oad, RRaceracer ffansans Dunker, the school mascot, aarere alwaysalways therethere inin bigbig nnumbers.umbers. performs at all Racer games. Racer Basketball
exposure Murray State has become one of the most recognized names in college basketball because of its winning tradition, which translates into media exposure. Each year, Racer games are televised live by ESPN and Fox Sports, and the team also appears in national publications such as Sports Illustrated and USA Today.
pro future
Over the years, the Racers have sent numerous play- ers to the professional ranks. Currently, there are 10 former MSU players on professional rosters, whether it’s James Singleton of the Los Angeles Clippers or Marcus Brown in the elite Italian League. JJamesames SingletonSingleton MMarcusarcus BrownBrown OOVCVC CChampionhampionsshipships
best in division I Murray State won 9 conference titles in the 1990s, which was tops among all Division I programs in the country. Recently, Street & Smith’s named the Racers one of the Top-100 basketball programs of all time. OVC OVC 19Champions Championships 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1992 an always thing “At Murray State, 1991 success has been- to give it a Lombardian 1990 script,- not just a sometimes thing, 1989 but a nearly always thing.” Larry Donald 1988 Basketball Times February 2000 1983 1982 1980 OVC Tournament 1969 1968 Championships 1964 2004 2002 1999 1998 1997 1951 1995 1992 1991 1990 1988 1964 1951 1988
NCAA Tournament First Round history Lincoln, Neb. March 18, 1988 Jeff Martin, then a junior, defends N.C. State’s Rodney Murray State ...... 78 Monroe in the N. Carolina St. ....75 Racers’ 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 thriller In 1990, MSU came close to making his- tory, but the 16th-seeded Racers fell to No. 1 Michigan State 75-71 in overtime. However, college basketall was introduced to Pop- eye Jones when the Racer sophomore scored a game-high 37 points in 45 minutes. NNCAACAA TTournamentournament 2000 AAppearancesppearances Racer junior guard Marlon Towns 11964964 works against Evanston, Ill. Loyola (Ill.) 101, Murray State 91 Michael Redd 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. NCAA Michigan St. 75, Murray State 71 (OT) 11991991 Atlanta, Ga. Tournament Alabama 89, Murray Sate 79 2004 11992992 Milwaukee, Wis. Chris Shumate Arkansas 80, Murray State 69
scored 13 points 11995995 against Tallahassee, Fla. North Carolina 80, Murray State 70 Illinois in the NCAA 11997997 regional in Charlotte, N.C. Columbus, Ohio. 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
22004004 2002 Columbus, Ohio Illinois 72, Murray State 53 In Chicago in 2002, sophomore Cuthbert Victor blows by a Georgia defender en route to the basket and a team-high 23 points. NCAA legends
Murray State was the only Division I school that offered 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 deci- sions in Racer basketball history. Arriving as a freshman from Dresden, Tenn., Jones made 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 the Year twice (1990 and 1991) and OVC Athlete of the Year in 1991 and 1992. Following his Racer career, Jones began his pro career in Europe. He enjoyed a 10 year career in the NBA with Dallas, Toronto, Boston, Washington and and Golden State. joe fulks
Joe Fulks played at Murray State from 1941- 43, earning recognition 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 Joe 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 in high school in Cherry Valley, Ark., colleges were more interested in him for football than basketball. Yet Murray State took a chance on the spindly forward and never regretted it. Starting as a freshman in 1985, the 6-foot-5 Martin showed right away an ability to score. By the time he was fi nished, Martin was the top scorer in school history. In four seasons, Martin scored 2,484 points and averaged a 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 the Year and a two-time OVC Athlete of the Year. Drafted by the NBA’s Clippers, Martin also played for Detroit be- fore heading to Europe, where he enjoyed tremendous success. Howie Crittenden (1952-56)
Marcus Brown (1992-96)
Aubrey Reese (1997-00)
retired numbers
15...... Jeff Martin (1985-89) 16...Garrett Beshear (1950-53) 19 Howie Crittenden (1952-56) 20... Johnny Reagan (1945-48) 21..... Bennie Purcell (1949-52) 26...... Joe Fulks (1941-43) 30...... Paul King (1987-91) 54..... Popeye Jones (1988-92) Glen Green (1979-83)
Paul King (1987-91) De’Teri Mayes (1996-98) MMurrayurray SState’state’s OOVCVC PPlayerslayers ooff tthehe YYearear 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 CCroninronin
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 communicator for number of wins by “Mick is a relentless recruiter and he com- fi rst-year head coaches. municates with players as well as any coach I’ve ever worked with.” Rick Pitino profi le Head Coach - Louisville Hometown .Cincinnati, Ohio Birthdate ...... July 17, 1971 College ...... Cincinnati ‘97 Coaching Experience: Head Coach Murray State, 2003- Associate Head Coach University of Louisville, 2001-2003 Assistant Coach University of Cincinnati, 1996-2000 paying the price “Coach Cronin gets the best out of you Mick Cronin in everything you do. He and his staff are so com- mitted 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 what it’s all about he will be commit- ted to you for the rest 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 For opponents, when the Racers kick their defense into high gear, it may seem like they have six players on the fl oor instead of fi ve. The style of play employed by Mick Cronin is Student-Athlete fun for the players and fun for the fans. Full- court defensive pressure and an up-tempo, end-to-end attack on offense make playing the Racers a 40-minute track meet. In the Development Racers’ unselfi sh style, every player gets as much a thrill from getting an assist as they do scoring the points.
the process In order to implement the Cronin style of play, much work must be done. With a conditioning program centered on improving quickness, endurance and body 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 Cro- nin’s style of play, the Racer head coach uses individual workouts to hone each player’s skill. Dramatic individual improvements are made through these methods. Cronin Basketball
SStudent-Athletetudent-Athlete Development
top condition “In my one season with coach Cronin, I was in the best shape of my life. The conditioning we did helped us be more produc- tive on the court. I believe our team became closer because of those off-season workouts.” 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 suc- cess of a team. Consequently, MSU has developed the Racer Strength & Conditioning Program. Mike Vin- son heads up Racer Power, which has made a major impact on Racer basketball. Vinson uses weightlift- ing, as well as explosion and quick- ness drills to enhance the athlete’s performance. AAcademiccademic SSupportupport
Racer student-athletes put in many hours to be the best they can be. That same commitment carries over to academics as Racer players are provided the necessary academic facilities, resourc- es and personal attention required to excel in the classroom. From the fi rst class to the day they walk the stage on graduation day, MSU student-athletes are given every opportunity to Matt Kelly, Assistant Athletic Direc- succeed. tor for academics, meets with MSU freshman Tyler Holloway.
weaver center Without question, the differ- ence 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 academic facil- ity which has aided hundreds of Racer student-athletes in its short time in existence. The Weaver Center includes a computer lab with 28 Edge PC computers and a study lab where student-athletes can meet with tutors or study inde- pendently. The Weaver Center was fully funded by long-time MSU supporters Jan and Dick Weaver. Academic SSuccessuccess Support IInn LLifeife
Murray State Basketball makes it a priority to prepare the student- athlete to succeed in life. To further that endeavor, MSU Athletics joined t he NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Program in September. The goal is to prepare student-athletes for the day when they will transi- tion from their college careers to being responsible and productive members of society. The mission of the CHAMPS program is to provide opportunities for personal development. The focus of the program is on the individual as a whole - academically, athletically and emotionally. Murray State is one of 34 institutions and confer- ence offi ces implementing the CHAMPS program in the class of 2006. CHAMPS: Challenging Athletes’ Minds for Personal Success.
Rosanne Radke, the Racers’ CHAMPS/Lifeskills coordinator, meets with MSU freshman Tony Easley.
In May 2004, nine Racers made up the largest basketball graduating class in memory. Pictured with Mick Cronin are: Back row: Antoine Whelchel, Cuthbert Victor, Chris Shumate, Andi Hornig and Petr Roncevic. Front row: Tim Haworth, Nathan Aikin, Kevin Paschell and Rick Jones. FFacilitiesacilities fi rst-class facilities In keeping with its commitment to maintaining one of the top college basketball programs 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 includes dressing area, lounge and kitchen area, is top-notch in every aspect. Roomy and modern, it also features theatre seat- ing for when the team reviews fi lm. The locker area is ideal for preparing for games and practices or just relaxing.
murray room The Murray Room is a nearly 8,000- square-foot multi-purpose room used before and after Racer games as a sports hospitality room. Stylishly appointed, medicine the Murray Room includes a kitchen, Racer players are pro- seating area, meeting space and a vided the best training state-of-the-art audio/visual center. and medical attention available, and it all be- gins in the sports medi- cine room. In addition to taping tables, whirlpools and rehabilitation equip- ment, the sports medi- cine facility also has an examining room for team physicians to pro- vide proper attention to Racer athletes. weight room Facilities Racer players get bigger, faster and stronger in this state of the art, 3,000-square foot weight room in the Regional Special Events Center. The room features free weights, machines and treadmills, and is exclusively used by MSU basketball.
basketball offi ces With individual offi ces, a conference room and reception area, there’s no better place for head coach Mick Cro- nin 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 basket- ball offi ces are constantly updated with the latest video equipment.
winslow dining hall Winslow Dining Hall offers Racer players an excellent place to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal each day on campus. The dining hall recently received a major renovation, giving the facility a food-court atmosphere. UUniversityniversity
For more than eight decades, Murray State University has served students from near and far, and the quality 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 more than10,000 today. Located in western Kentucky,the university features fi ve academic colleges - Business and Public Affairs; Education; Health Sciences and Human Services; Humanities and Fine Arts; and Science, Engineering and Technology - as well as a School of Agricul- ture. 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 Kentucky’s safest college town and 11th safest in the entire nation. University
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