T ABLE OF C ONTENTS

UAB HOOPS INFORMATION Schedule ...... 76-77 Table of Contents, Credits . . . . .1 Directory/Quick Facts ...... 2 2005-06 IN REVIEW This is UAB Basketball ...... 3 UAB Timeline ...... 4-5 Conference USA Breakdown . . .78 2005-06 Season Notebook . . .80-82 2006-07 SEASON OUTLOOK 2005-06 Season Statistics . . .83-87 2005-06 Recaps & Box Scores 88-99 2006-07 Season Outlook . . . . .8-11 2005-06 C-USA Final Team Roster ...... 12 Standings/Awards ...... 100 Radio/TV Chart ...... 13 2005-06 C-USA Statistics . .101-102 Roster Breakdown ...... 14 THE RECORD BOOK MEET THE BLAZERS UAB Year-by-Year Records . . . .104 Paul Delaney ...... 16-17 UAB Records: A Quick Glance .105 The University of Alabama at Maurice Gibbs ...... 18-19 Individual Career Top 10 . .106-107 Birmingham (UAB) administers its Frank Holmes ...... 20-21 Individual Season Records .108-109 educational programs and activities Lawrence Kinnard ...... 22-23 Individual Game Records . . . . .110 Wen Mukubu ...... 24-25 UAB 1,000 Point Club ...... 111 - including admission - without Roderick Ollie ...... 26-27 Team Season Records ...... 112 regard to race, color, religion, sex, Howard Crawford/Mike Davis, Jr.28 Team Single-Game Records . . .113 age, national origin, handicap, or Taurus Dortch/Tyler Marsh . . . .29 UAB Honor Roll ...... 114-115 Vietnam-era or disabled veteran sta- Jeremy Mayfield/Curtis Nickson .30 All-Time Jersey Numbers . . . .116 tus (Title IX of the Education Thurston Rawls/Andre White . . .31 All-Time Letterwinners . . .117-118 Amendments of 1972 specifically Walter Sharpe/Robert Vaden . . .32 All-Time Results ...... 119-123 prohibits discrimination on the basis Where We’ve Been/Going . . . .124 of sex). Direct inquiries to the UAB Affirmative Action Officer, MEET THE COACHES POSTSEASON PLAY Birmingham, AL 35294-2010. Head Coach Mike Davis . . . .34-37 UAB In The NCAA ...... 126 Tracy Dildy ...... 38 CREDITS Donnie Marsh ...... 39 NCAA Tournament Boxes . .127-129 Kerry Rupp ...... 40 UAB In The NIT ...... 130 The 2006-07 UAB Basketball Media Eddie McCarter ...... 41 NIT Box Scores ...... 131-132 Guide is a production of the UAB Jeff Connaroe/Managers . . . . .42 UAB and March Madness . .133-134 Athletic Media Relations Office. The Support Staff ...... 43-44 guide was compiled, designed, writ- THIS IS UAB ten and edited by Aaron Jordan BARTOW ARENA with special assistance from Cindy UAB At A Glance ...... 136-138 Powell and Jason Falls. Editorial Campus Recreation Center . . .139 Bartow Arena ...... 46-47 assistance provided by Norm Reilly, Attendance Records ...... 48 President ...... 140 AD/Faculty Rep ...... 141 Mark Vellek and Leah Douglas. Year-by-Year Breakdown ...... 49 Opponent section completed by Blazer Locker Room ...... 50 Athletic Administration . . .142-144 UAB Head Coaches ...... 145 Scott Salmon. The “UAB At A Glance” section was designed by OPPONENT INFORMATION Academic Support Service . . . .146 Athletic Trainers ...... 147 UAB Creative Services. Non-Conference Opponents .52-58 Strength and Conditioning . . . .148 Conference USA Opponents .59-64 UAB Greats ...... 149 All photos by Ashley Fleming, Steve Conference USA Tournament . . .65 Proud Past/Bright Future .150-152 Wood and Steve Connor. NCAA Tournament ...... 66 UAB Highlights/All-Americans 153-154 Opponent SID Directory ...... 67 UAB Blazer Club ...... 155 A special thanks to UAB Printing UAB Athletic Media Relations .156 Services for their dedication and CONFERENCE USA UAB Media Directory ...... 157 tireless efforts to make this publica- ISP/Blazer Radio Network . . .158 tion possible. Cover design by T.J. Records vs. All Opponents . .68-72 Birmingham: The Magic City . .159 Georgecink. Conference USA Letter ...... 74 Nike Basketball Ad ...... 160 Conference USA Staff ...... 75 Copyright © 2006-07 UAB Athletics Conference USA Composite Department.

1 Q UICK FACTS/DIRECTORY

ATHLETIC STAFF DIRECTORY 2006-07 QUICK FACTS (Area Code 205) Founded ...... 1969 Interim Director of Athletics Enrollment ...... 16,697 Richard Margison ([email protected]) ...... 934-5493 National Affiliation ...... NCAA Division I Senior Associate Athletics Director Conference Affiliation ...... Conference USA Lee Moon ([email protected]) ...... 934-7252 Home Court ...... Bartow Arena (8,500) Senior Associate Athletics Director President ...... Dr. Carol Garrison Brian Mackin ([email protected]) ...... 934-0766 Faculty Representative ...... Dr. Johnny Scott Senior Associate A.D./Senior Woman Administrator Interim Athletics Director ...... Richard Margison Rosalind Ervin ([email protected]) ...... 934-7252 Head Basketball Coach ...... Mike Davis Associate A.D./Business Affairs Andy Hollis ([email protected]) ...... 934-7252 Record at UAB/Years ...... 0-0/First Season Associate A.D./Compliance Career Record/Years ...... 115-79 (.602)/Six Seasons Chad Jackson ([email protected]) ...... 975-3051 Assistant Coaches .Tracy Dildy, Donnie Marsh, Kerry Rupp Associate A.D./Marketing Director of Operations ...... Eddie McCarter Sam Miller ([email protected]) ...... 934-1239 2005-06 Overall Record ...... 24-7 Associate A.D./Media Relations 2005-06 C-USA Record/Finish ...... 12-2/2nd Norm Reilly ([email protected]) ...... 934-0722 Postseason ...... NCAA First Round Associate A.D./Academic Affairs All-Time Record ...... 557-328 / 28 Seasons Judy Sackfield ([email protected]) ...... 934-6014 NCAA Tournament Appearances ...... 13 Associate A.D./Ticket Operations & Football Administration (1981, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 90, 94, 99, 2004, 05, 06) Matt Wildt ([email protected]) ...... 975-8221 NIT Appearances . 8 (1980, 89, 91, 92, 93, 97, 98, 2003) Assistant A.D./Operations and Facilities Letterwinners Returning/Lost ...... 6/6 Reid Adair ([email protected]) ...... 934-7586 Starters Returning/Lost ...... 3/2 Assistant A.D./Academic Affairs Tony Dollison ([email protected]) ...... 975-4605 Newcomers ...... 11 Assistant A.D./Financial Affairs ABOUT OUR NAME Dave Henze ([email protected]) ...... 934-3040 The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has been an Assistant A.D./Athletic Training autonomous member of the University of Alabama system Mike Jones ([email protected]) ...... 934-6013 since 1969, and has had an intercollegiate athletic program Director of Physical Development since 1977. UAB is sometimes confused with the University of Stacey Torman ([email protected]) ...... 934-8301 Alabama (Crimson Tide), which is located in Tuscaloosa; while this is inevitable, it is important to note that the two are indeed separate institutions. In addition, the UAB name is Athletic Media Relations often altered by various media, opponents, merchandisers, Associate A.D./Media Relations etc. Norm Reilly ([email protected]) ...... 934-0722 Associate Media Relations Director/Men’s Basketball Contact Please note that there are only two correct versions of our Aaron Jordan ([email protected]) ...... 934-0722 name, the acronym “UAB,” or the full “University of Alabama at Birmingham.” Assistant Media Relations Directors Michelle Cunningham ([email protected]) ...... 934-0722 We are: Mark Vellek ([email protected]) ...... 934-0722

UAB Media Relations Mailing Address: UAB BRTW 105 1530 3rd Ave. S. University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL 35294-1160 Overnight Shipping Address: Birmingham 617 13th St. S. (Bartow Arena) We are not: Birmingham, AL 35294-1160 Alabama-Birmingham, Ala.-Birm., Ala.-Birmingham, Athletic Media Relations Fax: ...... 934-7505 UA-Birmingham, U.A.B.

2 T HIS IS UAB BASKETBALL

3 UAB BASKETBALL T IMELINE

Summer, 1977: Coach Gene begin intercollegiate competition Bartow is hired as UAB’s first inter- for the first time; the university collegiate athletic director and begins an 11-year association with head basketball coach. the Sun Belt Conference. Preparations begin for the hiring of Nov. 24, 1978: The UAB men’s coaches and support staff, recruit- basketball team plays its first ment of student-athletes, estab- game, a 66-54 loss to Nebraska, before a crowd of 14,800 at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. Center Stan Scales scored the first UAB basket on a driving layup with 18:06 remaining in the first half. Nov. 24, 1978: The Blazers’ loss to Nebraska was quickly forgotten as they earned their first victory in All-American Steve Mitchell concluded only the second game in the young his UAB career as the leading scorer program’s history. UAB defeated in school history with 1,867 points. San Francisco State, 67-51, in Feb. 12, 1981: UAB earns the 50th Birmingham, Ala. victory in school history, defeating March 6, 1980: UAB plays its first- UNC Charlotte, 73-57. ever postseason game, dropping a March 13, 1981: UAB defeats 74-72 decision to Southwestern Western Kentucky, 93-68, in the Louisiana in the opening round of NCAA Tournament. The win was Gene Bartow was named the first ath- the NIT. letic director and head men’s basket- the first NCAA Tournament win for ball coach at UAB. Jan. 7, 1980: The Blazers earn the UAB. program’s 25th victory with an 82- lishment of the Golden 100 schol- March 15, 1981: The Blazer men’s 71 defeat over Virginia arship foundation, scheduling, etc. basketball team defeats Kentucky Commonwealth University. Fall, 1978: UAB athletic teams in the NCAA Mideast Regional, and reaches the NCAA “Sweet 16.” March, 1982: UAB has its greatest year to date, adding to its amazing basketball success story. The Blazers defeated the Indiana Hoosiers and the Ralph Sampson- led Virginia Cavaliers in the Southeast Regional, and reached the NCAA “Elite Eight.” The team would fall just short of the Final Four, losing to Louisville, 75-68. The Southeast Regional in Birming- ham is the first of five NCAA Tournament events to be hosted by UAB (’82, ’84, ’85, ’87, ’88). The 1981-82 men’s basketball team defeated Indiana and Virginia to make it to the Elite Eight. It is the deepest any UAB team has advanced in the NCAA Tournament. April, 1982: Oliver Robinson, the

4 UAB BASKETBALL T IMELINE first player signed at UAB by Gene Dec. 3, 1988: UAB Bartow, became the school’s first- plays its first game in ever All-American, as named by Bartow Arena. A crowd several publications. During his of 8,397 saw the Blazers senior season, Robinson averaged defeat Vanderbilt, 76- 21.1 ppg and led the Blazers to a 69 in the arena’s dedi- 25-6 record. cation game. March 6, 1983: The Blazers March 22, 1989: Blazer defeat South Florida, 64-47, in the basketball reaches the Sun Belt Tournament, earning the NIT Final Four after program’s 100th victory. defeating Connecticut, 85-79. Eventually, the Nov. 26, 1985: UAB defeats UAB upset No. 1 overall seed Kentucky in the 2004 Blazers would defeat NCAA Tournament, 76-75, to earn a Sweet 16 berth. Missouri Baptist, 94-52, in Michigan State for third Birmingham to earn the school’s March 26, 1996: One era ends place at Madison Square Garden. 150th victory in school history. and another begins as coach Gene Feb. 10, 1990: UAB defeats South Bartow steps downs as head men’s March 15, 1986: With a 77-59 loss Florida, 82-64, to reach the 250- basketball coach. His son and to Dean Smith and the North win milestone in the program’s assistant, Murry, is named head Carolina Tar Heels, UAB’s Steve history. coach; Gene Bartow remains on as Mitchell concludes his career as director of athletics. the school’s all-time scoring 1991-92: UAB begins competition leader. Mitchell finished his career in the Great Midwest Conference. Feb. 23, 1998: The Blazers defeat with 1,867 points. Norfolk State, 103-74, to earn the Dec. 19, 1992: UAB defeats program’s 400th win. Jan. 2, 1988: The Blazers open Prairie View A&M, 111-61, earning the UAB Classic with a 65-51 victo- the program’s 300th victory. March 11, 1999: UAB makes its ry over Jackson State, earning the 10th appearance in the NCAA March 18, 1993: In its only meet- program’s 200th victory. Tournament. The team dropped a ing with the in-state school, UAB 77-64 decision against Iowa in defeats Alabama, 58-56, in the Denver, Colo. opening round of the NIT. Feb. 5, 2000: A then-record 9,279 March 24, 1993: The men’s bas- people jam into Bartow Arena to ketball team reaches the NIT Final watch the nation’s top-ranked Four for the second time in school team in Cincinnati defeat the history after defeating Southwest Blazers, 93-80. Missouri State, 61-52. The Blazers would eventually win the third July 10, 2000: Gene Bartow place game with a victory over announces his retirement as ath- Providence in Madison Square letic director after 23 years of Garden. service to the university. 1995-96: UAB becomes a founding Feb. 3, 2001: UAB earns the pro- member of Conference USA. gram’s 450th victory, defeating Southern Miss, 71-59. Nov. 30, 1995: The Blazers defeat Prairie View A&M, 105-52, making April 4, 2002: Athletics Director it the 350th win in UAB men’s bas- Herman Frazier and UAB President ketball history. Ann Reynolds announce the hiring UAB opened Bartow Arena in front of of Mike Anderson as UAB's third 8,397 people who saw the Blazers men's basketball coach. defeat Vanderbilt, 76-69.

5 UAB BASKETBALL T IMELINE

escape with a 77-73 win over the Blazers. March, 2005: Mike Anderson guides UAB to its second straight NCAA Tournament appearance and third consecutive postseason with an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Blazers open with an 82-68 first-round defeat of SEC West Champion LSU. March 3, 2006: Marvett McDonald had 17 points and UAB held its opponents scoreless for more than UAB has made four consecutive postseason appearances, and are one of only 22 eight minutes down the stretch to teams in the country to have made three straight NCAA Tournaments. defeat third-ranked Memphis, 80- March 15, 2003: In Mike would finish the season with a 22- 74. It marked just the second time Anderson’s first year as head 10 overall record and ranked No. the Blazers have defeated a team coach, he leads the Blazers to the 23 in the country. Also, the ranked among the top three in the Conference USA championship Blazers' 12-4 record in Conference nation at Bartow Arena. game for the first time in school USA earned them a share of the March, 2006: The UAB men's bas- history. UAB lost a hard-fought first C-USA regular season champi- ketball team competed in its third battle to tournament host onship. Head coach Mike Anderson consecutive NCAA Tournament as Louisville, 83-78. was also named the 2004 the Blazers were one of the 65 Conference USA Coach of the Year. March 19, 2003: UAB makes its teams announced to the 2006 return to postseason play with a Feb. 5, 2005: A record crowd of field. UAB earned a ninth seed in 82-80 victory over Louisiana- 9,354 fans pour into Bartow Arena the Washington, D.C. Region. Lafayette in the opening round of to see No. 9 Louisville narrowly April 7, 2006: UAB announced the the NIT. UAB would go on to hiring of Mike Davis as its new defeat Siena, before losing in the head men’s basketball coach, the quarterfinals to eventual NIT fourth in the program’s history. Champions, St. John’s. Davis replaced former head coach March, 2003: Anderson closes his Mike Anderson, who left UAB with inaugural season at the helm of the highest winning percentage the UAB program. Anderson fin- (.685) in school history. ished the season with a record of 21-13 and a trip to the NIT. January 24, 2004: UAB battles rival Charlotte and comes away with a 69-62 road victory for the program’s 500th all-time win. March, 2004: The UAB men's bas- ketball team shocks the college basketball world with its 76-75 upset over top-seeded Kentucky to Former coach Mike Anderson left advance to the Sweet 16 of the UAB with the highest winning per- NCAA Tournament. The Blazers centage in school history (.685).

6 2006-07 SEASON OUTLOOK 2006-07 SEASON O UTLOOK

2006-07 Edition of UAB Blazers Ready For A New Beginning UAB head coach Mike Davis returns to his home state with dreams of a national championship

A new head coach, a new coaching Joining Davis is one of the most expe- 2006-07 UAB BASKETBALL • 2006-07 UAB BASKETBALL staff and nine newcomers will change rienced and respected staffs in col- the face of the UAB men’s basketball lege basketball. Assistant head coach- program heading into the 2006-07 es Tracy Dildy, Donnie Marsh and Kerry campaign. Yet coaches, players and Rupp have a combined 72 years fans alike could not be more excited involved in coaching basketball, and about the state of the program and each has been a Division I collegiate what the future holds. head coach - something no other staff in the country can boast. Marsh was The 29th edition of UAB men’s basket- the head coach for four years at ball could be one of the more exciting Florida International (2000-04), while seasons in program history. It is the Rupp was an interim head coach at hope that with the new facets come Utah (2004), leading the team to the even better results than the pro- 2004 Mountain West Conference title gram’s already successful past. and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Dildy was also an interim head coach One of the reasons for the high expec- at DePaul during the 2002 campaign, tations is the announcement of newly- after taking over for Pat Kennedy dur- appointed head coach Mike Davis. ing a leave of absence. Rupp and Davis spent six seasons at Indiana Marsh also worked with Davis at SENIOR GUARD/FORWARD WEN MUKUBU prior to his arrival in Birmingham, Indiana from 2004-06, prior to rejoin- “I consider this to be one of the most compiling a 115-79 overall record, as ing him at UAB. Furthermore, the trio talented coaching staffs in college well as an appearance in the 2002 is joined by director of basketball basketball,” Davis said. “Every coach national championship game. He led operations Eddie McCarter, who left on this staff has head coaching expe- the Hoosiers to five postseason UT-Arlington after spending 14 years rience and will be instrumental in appearances, including four NCAA as the head coach. developing these younger players.” Tournament berths. Moreover, Davis also makes sure his players graduate, That type of leadership will be neces- That leadership has already been put having 14 of his 16 student-athletes sary in order to bring this year’s team on display over Labor Day weekend, graduate, while he was at the helm of a fourth consecutive NCAA when the coaching staff and players the IU program, with the remaining Tournament appearance and the first participated in the Bahamas Foreign two just a few credits shy of earning Conference USA championship since Tour Trip. Because of that, the NCAA their diploma. 2004. allowed Davis and his team to prac- tice for 10 days prior to the trip. Davis 2006-07 UAB BASKETBALL • 2006-07 UAB BASKETBALL• 2006-07 UAB BASKETBALL • 2006-07 UAB BASKETBALL feels it was an important start to his UAB tenure and allowed him to get to know his team and teach his system to so many new faces.

“The trip to the Bahamas was a great experience,” Davis said. “It was a team-building trip that allowed the guys to learn how to play with one another. It was also important to our staff that we were able to practice and teach a few things to our players. Teams that have gone on these trips in the past have benefited in the long run from it, and certainly think we benefited as a team.”

Not only did the coaches appreciate the Foreign Tour, but the players UAB HEAD COACH MIKE DAVIS AT HIS INTRODUCTORY PRESS CONFERENCE ON APRIL 7, 2006.

8 2006-07 SEASON O UTLOOK responded with two wins in two games 2006-07 UAB BASKETBALL • 2006-07 UAB BASKETBALL is an exciting player and can take over while staying in Nassau. The Blazers a game. He will be our coach on the defeated the Crimestoppers, 76-56, floor and will play the point and the and the Real Deal Shockers, 90-71. shooting guard positions. I think he has the ability to become one of the BACKCOURT top players in our league.”

Considering all the new faces on this Several UAB newcomers will also get year’s team, a plethora of talent the opportunity to see quality minutes remains from last season’s 24-7 squad in the UAB backcourt this season. that finished runner-up in Conference Sophomore junior college transfer USA and reached the program’s third Andre White, who was Davis’ first consecutive NCAA tournament. Of signee as UAB head coach, comes to UAB’s six returnees from last season, Birmingham after earning JUCO All- it will be a pair of seniors in which America honors at Highland (Ill.) Davis will lean on in his backcourt, Community College. White was the both of whom will be in their second leading scorer at the national tourna- year at UAB after transferring in as ment (23.5 ppg) last March, earning juniors a year ago. him a spot on the all-tournament JUNIOR GUARD PAUL DELANEY team. He averaged 12.5 points and Senior guard/forward Wen Mukubu, a 5.1 assists per game, while also shoot- Delaney was one of the Blazers’ top preseason first-team All-Conference ing 44.3 percent (65-of-145) of his offensive threats last season. He aver- USA selection (The Sporting News), three-pointers hit 48.6 percent (124- aged 8.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.5 returns as the team’s leading scorer, of-255) of his field goals. assists and 1.3 steals per game, while averaging 9.2 points per game a year also shooting 50.0 percent (88-of-176) ago, while also shooting 47.6 percent "Andre is an outstanding player and a from the floor. The Decatur, Ga. from the floor and hitting 18 three- great piece to add to our program," native stepped his game up in confer- pointers. Mukubu wasn’t only a threat said Davis. "Outside shooters of that ence and postseason play. He ranked on the offensive half of the court. He caliber are rare, and he can really second on the team with 9.2 ppg finished the 2006 campaign third on shoot it. We are extremely excited to against league opposition, while the team in steals (38), second in have him join us here at UAB." improving to 12.3 ppg in four postsea- defensive rebounds (73) and third in son games (three C-USA and one total rebounds (103). True freshman Taurus Dortch is anoth- NCAA). er player who could make an immedi- Senior guard Maurice Gibbs is another ate impact on this year’s squad. The Delaney gave a glimpse of what is to player who is expected to become one Birmingham, Ala. product earned come during the Foreign Tour to the of the team leaders this year. The numerous accolades while leading Bahamas, as he led the team with Carbondale, Ill. native played in 30 of Ramsay High School to a 23-10 overall 16.5 ppg in the Blazers’ two victories. the Blazers’ 31 contests during the record. He was a second-team all- 2005-06 season. He averaged 2.8 state pick and tabbed No. 7 on the “I look for Paul to become one of the points and shot over 40 percent from Birmingham News’ list of 2006 High leaders of our team,” Davis said. “He the floor (31-of-76) in a little over School Basketball Super Seniors - the seven minutes per contest. He has put 2006-07 UAB BASKETBALL • 2006-07 UAB BASKETBALL top 12 seniors in the state. The point himself through a rigorous off-season and shooting guard averaged 15 and hopes his hard work pays off in points, three assists and two steals the form of a regular starting position per game as a junior and was selected at guard. for the North-South All-Star team over the summer. “Our seniors will be the backbone of this year’s team,” Davis said. “I have A pair of coach’s sons will also look to always expected a lot of from the compete for playing time. Sophomore upperclassmen, and this year is no dif- Mike Davis, Jr. and freshman Tyler ferent. I feel Wen and Mo will be big Marsh are disciplined players who will contributors on this year’s team.” push the team in practice and for time on the floor. Davis, Jr. was with Another backcourt player who Davis his father while at Indiana, and was a expects big things from is junior guard standout player at Blackhawk (Ill.) Paul Delaney. Last season, Delaney Community College during his fresh- played all 31 contests, and despite man season. He averaged 15 points, only making three starts, he averaged 5.0 assists and 4.0 rebounds on his 21.8 , minutes per contest, a number way to all-conference accolades. that ranked third on the squad. SENIOR GUARD MAURICE GIBBS

9 2006-07 SEASON O UTLOOK

Walk on Thurston Rawls will also don Davis feels the same about Kinnard’s 2006-07 UAB BASKETBALL • 2006-07 UAB BASKETBALL the Green and Gold for the first time ability. A year ago, Kinnard played in this season. 26 contests, making 14 starts, while battling a foot injury throughout most FRONTCOURT of the year. Despite that, he still man- aged to average 6.0 points, 2.7 A pair of starting players return to rebounds and shoot 48.9 percent from help Davis’ team inside the paint, and the floor (66-of-135). With a year both look to make an even bigger under his belt and a little more impact on this year’s squad. Junior strength added to his frame, Davis is forward Frank Holmes and sophomore excited about the future of Kinnard. forward Lawrence Kinnard will be the leaders in the low post, and will help “Lawrence is a slasher and is long, guide the three newcomers to the which makes him very tough to frontcourt. guard,” Davis said. “He battled a foot injury all season and managed to Holmes is the team’s most experi- remain a contributor throughout the enced returning player, having started season. To be able to come back 29 of the Blazers’ 31 contests in 2006. through that kind of adversity shows He led the team in rebounds what type of character this young man SOPHOMORE FORWARD LAWRENCE KINNARD (4.8/game) and field goal percentage has. We will definitely rely on his player by Scout.com. (.550), while also collecting 6.5 points leadership in the low post and look for "Jeremy is going to be a big help to and 27 blocked shots in 2006. Holmes him to have a big year.” us," said Davis. "(Assistant head showed he can be a force in the paint coach) Tracy Dildy did a great job when he accounted for 22 points on 9- Sophomore Roderick Ollie is the only recruiting him. There are so many of-9 shooting from the floor, and other returning player in the front- positives about Jeremy. He is very seven boards in a 76-64 win over court, and had the chance to play in skilled and presents a lot of problems Marshall on Jan. 14. It was only the 11 contests last season. Although he for opposing teams because of his ver- third time in school history a player didn’t get much playing time, Davis satility. I think Jeremy has a chance to has connected on all of his shot has seen Ollie’s work ethic and athlet- be a great player. He reminds me of attempts when attempting at least ic ability, and expects big things from (former Indiana All-American) Jared eight in a single game. Holmes’ stock him this season. Jeffries." will only improve as Davis plans to play through the low post on his “We were impressed with Roderick’s Another pair of true freshmen who offensive sets. athletic ability,” Davis said. “He did- will look to make a mark on this year’s n’t have a chance to play much last team are former high school team- “The low post is important to us on year, but we think he can become a mates in Howard Crawford and Curtis offense, and Frank will play a key solid contributor to this year’s team. Nickson. Crawford and Nickson role,” Davis said. “Frank is a strong During practice leading up to the formed a veritable juggernaut for player inside who can finish and we Bahamas, Roderick showed us he is Greene County High School in 2004- feel he can become one of the best determined to make an impression, 05, as the duo led their team to the big men in the league.” and he did that. I really like his work Alabama Class 4A state title. 2006-07 UAB BASKETBALL • 2006-07 UAB BASKETBALL ethic and determination and that will only benefit him in the long run.” Crawford averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds and two assists per game One of the most talked about and and was named first team all-state by highly-touted newcomers to this both the Alabama Sports Writers year’s team is freshman forward Association and the Birmingham Jeremy Mayfield. The Irving, Texas News. Crawford was also the MVP of native was rated among the top-50 the Class 4A state tournament and is prospects in the country coming out of listed No. 5 on the recent Birmingham high school and was ranked as the No. News list of 2006 Super Seniors. 5 recruit in Texas and the No. 12 power forward nationally by “Howard has a lot of potential,” Davis Rivals.com. said. “He is quick and is a very skilled forward for his size. He will step in Mayfield attended prep school the and push our upperclassmen for play- past year at God's Academy in Dallas ing time. Both he and Curtis have won and averaged 17 points, seven a state championship, so they know rebounds, four assists and two blocks what it takes to win.” per game. He was rated as the JUNIOR FORWARD FRANK HOLMES nation's No. 4 post graduate prep

10 2006-07 SEASON O UTLOOK

Nickson averaged 14 points, 12 mark the second meeting between the "To me, this is one of the tougher non- rebounds, six blocked shots and three two schools, The Blazers won the only conference schedules any team will assists from the post for the Tigers. other meeting, 80-73, on Dec. 27, face," Davis said. "When you talk He was a second-team all-state pick 1997. about going on the road for nine of by the Alabama Sports Writers and the your 14 non-conference games includ- Birmingham News while helping "For us to have the chance to play ing Florida, Cincinnati, UW- Greene County to a 26-4 overall Florida is unbelievable," Davis said. Milwaukee, Old Dominion and Western record. Nixon is listed one spot above "When you talk about Florida, you are Kentucky, who all reached postseason Crawford on the Birmingham News talking about a historically great pro- play last year, is incredible. Throw in 2006 Super Seniors list, giving UAB the gram that is coming off a remarkable teams like DePaul, Minnesota, No. 4, No. 5 and No. 7 seniors in season. We are very excited for the Wyoming and South Florida and the Alabama, according to the rating. opportunity and it is going to be a other schools we face, and we are great test as our last non-conference certainly going to be challenged. THE SCHEDULE game heading into Conference USA However, when I came to UAB I want- play." ed to win a national championship and Davis never shied away from taking on playing a national-championship type some of the top teams in the country For the first time in five seasons, the of schedule will certainly help us during his head-coaching days at Blazers will open the campaign on the reach that goal." Indiana, and with his arrival at UAB, road when they compete at the John that trend seems as if it will continue. Thompson Foundation Challenge on Like their non-conference schedule, The defending national champion Nov. 10-12 in Milwaukee, Wisc. The the Blazers will open the 2007 C-USA Florida Gators, along with games Blazers will open against Washington slate with four road games in their against eight teams that competed in State (Nov. 10), followed by facing first six league contests. UAB will postseason play last year, highlight Radford (Nov. 11). The tournament open the conference slate at UTEP on the 2006-07 UAB men's basketball will conclude in the premier matchup Jan. 6, one of its five mirror games schedule. of the evening when the Blazers take during the upcoming season (UTEP on tournament host UW-Milwaukee plays at UAB on Feb. 10). The Blazers "This is a great schedule that is going (Nov. 12). will also have home-and-home games to challenge us throughout the entire with Tulane (Jan. 13 at Tulane and season," Davis said. "It will be great Another first will occur when the March 3 at UAB), Memphis (Jan. 16 at for our players to have the chance to Blazers square off against non-confer- Memphis and Feb. 8 at UAB), Southern compete against some of the nation's ence foe Wyoming on Nov. 18 (at Miss (Jan. 20 at Southern Miss and toughest teams. It is also going to test Wyoming) and Nov. 22 (at UAB), mark- Feb. 28 at UAB) and Marshall (Feb. 3 their ability to play on the road, with ing the first time in school history UAB at Marshall and Feb. 24 at UAB). eight of our first 11 games coming on will have back-to-back contests the road." against a non-conference opponent. Additionally, the Blazers will have home C-USA games against UCF (Jan. The schedule is highlighted with a With another road contest on Nov. 28 10), SMU (Jan. 31), Rice (Feb. 14), Dec. 30 tilt against 2006 defending at Western Kentucky, the non-confer- while going on the road to face East national champion Florida. The game ence road slate doesn't get any easier Carolina (Jan. 27), Houston (Feb. 17) will be played in Miami, Fla., as part for the Blazers heading into the and Tulsa (Feb. 21). of the Orange Bowl Classic, and will month of December. The month 2006-07 UAB BASKETBALL • 2006-07 UAB BASKETBALL begins with a visit to Big East and for- Even with obstacles of a difficult mer C-USA rival Cincinnati on Dec. 2, schedule and welcoming so many new before returning home for UAB's first faces to the 2006-07 squad, the future back-to-back home games of the year remains bright. Considering the talent against Big Ten member Minnesota he has returning from last year’s (Dec. 5) and Big East rival DePaul team, the depth and athleticism of (Dec. 9). the newcomers and the wisdom and experience of his coaching staff, all The Blazers will return to the road to the makings are there for the Blazers square off against a pair of Virginia to continue its climb as one of the top schools when they take on Virginia basketball programs in the country. Commonwealth (Dec. 16 in Richmond, Va.) and Old Dominion (Dec. 18 in Norfolk, Va.). UAB will close the month out with home dates against Winston Salem State on Dec. 23 and South Florida on Dec. 27, before fac- ing the Gators on Dec. 30.

SOPHOMORE FORWARD RODERICK OLLE

11 2006-07 UAB MEN’ S B ASKTBALL R OSTERS

2006-07 UAB MEN’S BASKETBALL NUMERICAL ROSTER No. Name P Ht. Wt. Cl. EXP. G-GS PPG RPG APG HOMETOWN/PREVIOUS SCHOOL 1 Maurice Gibbs G 6-2 200 Sr. 1L 30-0 2.9 0.6 0.3 Carbondale, Ill./Carbondale HS 2 Thurston Rawls G 5-7 165 Fr. HS 12.0 2.7 5.0 Huntsville, Ala./Huntsville HS 4 Paul Delaney III G 6-2 200 Jr. 2L 31-3 8.7 3.4 1.5 Decatur, Ga./Chamblee HS 11 Andre White G 5-11 180 So. JC 12.5 3.3 5.1 Zion, Ill./Highland (Ill.) CC 12 Tyler Marsh G 5-10 171 Fr. HS 12.0 3.0 5.0 Miami, Fla./Bridgton (Me.) Academy 15 Frank Holmes F 6-9 210 Jr. 2L 31-29 6.5 4.8 0.5 Somerville, Tenn./Fayette-Ware HS 20 Robert Vaden% G/F 6-5 225 Jr. 2L 13.5 5.5 3.5 Indianapolis, Ind./Indiana University 21 Lawrence Kinnard F 6-8 210 So. 1L 26-14 6.0 2.7 0.8 Memphis, Tenn./Raleigh-Egypt HS 22 Mike Davis, Jr. G 6-3 185 So. JC 15.0 4.0 5.0 Bloomington, Ind./Blackhawk CC 23 Taurus Dortch G 6-2 185 Fr. HS 15.0 4.0 3.0 Birmingham, Ala./Ramsey HS 24 Wen Mukubu G/F 6-5 215 Sr. 1L 31-13 9.3 3.3 1.4 Miami, Fla./Miami Beach HS 31 Jeremy Mayfield F/C 6-10 240 Fr. HS 17.0 7.0 4.0 Irving, Texas/God’s Academy 33 Curtis Nickson C 6-9 245 Fr. HS 14.0 12.0 3.0 Eutaw, Ala./Greene County HS 35 Howard Crawford F 6-8 200 Fr. HS 20.0 10.0 2.0 Eutaw, Ala./Greene County HS 42 Walter Sharpe% F 6-9 235 So. 1L 9.3 5.0 0.5 Birmingham, Ala./Mississippi State 45 Roderick Ollie F 6-5 220 So. 1L 11-0 1.9 0.9 0.0 Moorhead, Miss./Indianola Gentry HS

% = Will sit out 2006-07 campaign due to NCAA transfer rules

2006-07 UAB MEN’S BASKETBALL ALPHABETICAL ROSTER No. Name P Ht. Wt. Cl. EXP. G-GS PPG RPG APG HOMETOWN/PREVIOUS SCHOOL 35 Howard Crawford F 6-8 200 Fr. HS 20.0 10.0 2.0 Eutaw, Ala./Greene County HS 22 Mike Davis, Jr. G 6-3 185 So. JC 15.0 4.0 5.0 Bloomington, Ind./Blackhawk CC 4 Paul Delaney III G 6-2 200 Jr. 2L 31-3 8.7 3.4 1.5 Decatur, Ga./Chamblee HS 23 Taurus Dortch G 6-2 185 Fr. HS 15.0 4.0 3.0 Birmingham, Ala./Ramsey HS 1 Maurice Gibbs G 6-2 200 Sr. 1L 30-0 2.9 0.6 0.3 Carbondale, Ill./Carbondale HS 15 Frank Holmes F 6-9 210 Jr. 2L 31-29 6.5 4.8 0.5 Somerville, Tenn./Fayette-Ware HS 21 Lawrence Kinnard F 6-8 210 So. 1L 26-14 6.0 2.7 0.8 Memphis, Tenn./Raleigh-Egypt HS 12 Tyler Marsh G 5-10 171 Fr. HS 12.0 3.0 5.0 Miami, Fla./Bridgton (Me.) Academy 31 Jeremy Mayfield F/C 6-10 240 Fr. HS 17.0 7.0 4.0 Irving, Texas/God’s Academy 24 Wen Mukubu G/F 6-5 215 Sr. 1L 31-13 9.3 3.3 1.4 Miami, Fla./Miami Beach HS 33 Curtis Nickson C 6-9 245 Fr. HS 14.0 12.0 3.0 Eutaw, Ala./Greene County HS 45 Roderick Ollie F 6-5 220 So. 1L 11-0 1.9 0.9 0.0 Moorhead, Miss./Indianola Gentry HS 2 Thurston Rawls G 5-7 165 Fr. HS 12.0 2.7 5.0 Huntsville, Ala./Huntsville HS 42 Walter Sharpe% F 6-9 235 So. 1L 9.3 5.0 0.5 Birmingham, Ala./Mississippi State 20 Robert Vaden% G/F 6-5 225 Jr. 2L 13.5 5.5 3.5 Indianapolis, Ind./Indiana University 11 Andre White G 5-11 180 So. JC 12.5 3.3 5.1 Zion, Ill./Highland (Ill.) CC

% = Will sit out 2006-07 campaign due to NCAA transfer rules

12 R ADIO/TELEVISION C HART

13 UAB ROSTER B REAKDOWN

Where We’re From ...

2 2

2

1 5 1 1 2

BY STATE BY HEIGHT Alabama (5) 6-10 (1) Howard Crawford (Eutaw) Jeremy Mayfield Taurus Dortch (Birmingham) 6-9 (3) Curtis Nickson (Eutaw) Frank Holmes, Curtis Nickson, Walter Sharpe Thurston Rawls (Huntsville) 6-8 (2) Walter Sharpe (Birmingham) Howard Crawford, Lawrence Kinnard Florida (2) 6-5 (3) Wen Mukubu (Miami) Wen Mukubu, Roderick Ollie, Robert Vaden Tyler Marsh (Miami) 6-3 (1) Georgia (1) Mike Davis, Jr. Paul Delaney (Decatur) 6-2 (3) Illinois (2) Paul Delaney, Taurus Dortch, Maurice Gibbs Maurice Gibbs (Carbondale) 5-11 (1) Andre White (Zion) Andre White Indiana (2) 5-10 (1) Mike Davis, Jr. (Bloomington) Tyler Marsh Robert Vaden (Indianapolis) 5-7 (1) Mississippi (1) Thurston Rawls Roderick Ollie (Moorhead) Tennessee (2) BY CLASS Frank Holmes (Sommerville) Seniors (2) Lawrence Kinnard (Memphis) Maurice Gibbs, Wen Mukubu Texas (1) Juniors (3) Jeremy Mayfield (Irving) Paul Delaney, Frank Holmes, Robert Vaden Sophomores (5) Mike Davis, Jr., Lawrence Kinnard, Roderick Ollie, Walter Sharpe, Andre White Freshman (6) Howard Crawford, Taurus Dortch, Tyler Marsh, Jeremy Mayfield, Curtis Nickson, Thurston Rawls

14 MEET THE BLAZERS P LAYER B IOS

UAB MEN’S BASKETBALL • UAB MEN’S BASKETBALL • UAB MEN’S BASKETBALL career-best four steals and seven points at ECU (1/15) ... tossed in career-high 12 points in Murray State win (1/2) ... notched seven points and 15 minutes against Alabama A&M PAUL DELANEY III (12/28) ... played eight minutes with two points and a rebound in VCU win (11/27). 6-2 | 200 Junior | Guard HIGH SCHOOL Decatur, Ga. Attended Chamblee High School ... coached by Ceasar Chamblee High School Burgess ... rated the 43rd best player in the Southeast 44 according to Hoop Scoop magazine ... earned Nike All- 2006-07 BLAZERS • 2006-07 BLAZERS • 2006-07 BLAZERS • 2006-07 BLAZERS American honors in 2003 ... averaged 21.5 points, 8.6 rebounds and 5.0 assists per contest as a senior ... led his SOPHOMORE SEASON (2005-06) team to the Class AAAA quarterfinals ... was also named Played in all 31 contests during year, starting on three All-DeKalb County, all-region and all-state in 2003 ... occasions ... had 13 points on 6-of-11 shooting off the selected to the team of the year by the Atlanta Tip-Off bench to lead team in NCAA Tournament contest vs. club ... tabbed as one of the top-10 players in the state of Kentucky (3/17) ... averaged 12.6 ppg. during C-USA tour- Georgia according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. nament ... led team with 14 points in C-USA finals loss to Memphis (3/11) ... scored 13 in C-USA semifinal win over PERSONAL UTEP (3/10) ... notched 11 points in C-USA Tournament Full name is Paul Lewis Delaney, III ... born on Aug. 30, quarterfinal win over SMU (3/9) ... scored 11 points with 1986 ... parents are Naomi Black and Paul Delaney, Jr. ... six rebounds in upset win over Memphis (3/2) ... notched has three siblings (Arisika, Eryn and Sakia) ... majoring in 13 points behind 6-of-9 field goal shooting against Tulane education. (2/15) ... scored 12 points in win over East Carolina (2/11) ... set new career-high with 17 points at Memphis (1/26) ... also led team with seven rebounds against third-ranked Tigers ... tallied 11 points behind 7-of-9 free-throw shoot- ing against Houston (1/21) ... scored 10 points at Rice (1/18) ... recorded 14 points at Marshall (1/14) ... tied then-career high with 12 points against Valdosta State (1/5) ... scored 12 points in Oklahoma State game (12/28) ... had seven points, a career-high eight rebounds, four assists and four steals against Centenary (12/19) ... scored seven points with six rebounds at Minnesota (12/14) ... earned first career start in Alcorn State game (12/10) ... responded with career-high five assists to go with four PAUL DELANEY’S CAREER HIGHS points ... collected 12 points behind 6-of-8 free-throw Points Field Goals Made shooting against Western Kentucky (11/29) ... scored seven 17 vs. Memphis, 1/26/06 6 2x, last vs. Kentucky, 3/17/06 points with three rebounds in win vs. South Carolina State Rebounds Field Goals Attempted (11/27) ... had five points with a career-high three blocked 8 vs. Centenary, 12/19/05 11 vs. Kentucky, 3/17/06 shots in UMass win (11/25). Assists 3-point Field Goals Made 5 2X, last vs. SMU, 3/9/06 1 5X, last vs. ECU, 2/11/06 FRESHMAN SEASON (2004-05) Steals 3-point Field Goals Att. Key spark off the bench for a 22-11 UAB team which 5 vs. Tulane, 2/26/05 3 2X, last vs. ECU, 2/11/06 Blocks Free Throws Made reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament ... had 3 vs. UMass, 11/25/05 9 at Memphis, 3/11/06 first career block and career-high five rebounds at Houston Minutes Free Throws Attempted (3/5) ... swiped career-high five steals against Tulane 30 2X, last vs. Memphis, 11 at Memphis, 3/11/06 (2/26) ... scored five points with three steals against East 3/2/06 Carolina (2/16) ... played season-high 19 minutes with

DELANEY’S CAREER STATISTICS TOTAL 3-POINT REBOUNDS

Year GP GS Min Avg TFGTFGA .Pct3FG3FGA .Pct FT FTA .Pct Off Def Tot Avg PF FO Ast TO Blk Stl Pts Avg 2004-05 28 0 275 9.8 32 56 .571 2 5 .400 22 41 .537 10 27 37 1.3 34 0 21 22 2 30 88 3.1 2005-06 31 3 676 21.8 88 176 .500 3 21 .143 90 130 .692 33 73 106 3.4 56 0 48 45 6 39 269 8.7 TOTAL 59 3 951 16.1 120 232 .517 5 26 .192112 171 .655 43 100 143 2.4 90 0 69 67 8 69 357 6.1

16