Wednesday, April 26, 2000

Jersey No. 4 retired by UC

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Martin only 3rd 'Cat so honored

By Mike DeCourcy
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Kenyon Martin. | ZOOM |

        The Cincinnati Bearcats did not reach the Final Four as planned, but their 1999-2000 season was ruled by their final “4.”

        All-American Kenyon Martin will be the last UC player to wear that uniform number. It was retired Tuesday night at the Bearcats' annual awards banquet, making Martin only the third player in the program's history honored in that manner. The other two — Oscar Robertson and Jack Twyman — are members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

        Martin also received the singular honor of having his locker in the Shoemaker Center sealed so future Bearcats can be “reminded of his success and the hard work that it took to get there,” athletic director Bob Goin said. The locker will be enclosed in plexiglass and remain on constant display for athletes using the Bearcats dressing room.

        A three-year starter at center, Martin led UC to a 28-2 regular-season record and the No.1 ranking in the wire-service polls. He was unable to compete in the NCAA Tournament because he broke his leg in the Bearcats' first Conference USA tournament game.

Kenyon Martin (AP photo)

        He joined Robertson as the only Bearcats to win the national player of the year award presented by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association — now known as the Oscar Robertson Trophy. Martin also claimed the player of the year awards presented by the Associated Press and The Sporting News as well as the James Naismith Trophy and the John R. Wooden Award.

        So it was no surprise Martin also was named the Bearcats' most valuable player at the awards banquet. The only other team honor he was presented, though, was for leading UC in rebounding.

        Defensive player of the year went to Pete Mickeal and Jermaine Tate. The most improved player went to freshman guard DerMarr Johnson for the progress he made on defense.

        The “Ball of Courage” award for perseverance was presented to senior forwards Ryan Fletcher and Tate.

        UC's Oscar Robertson Award for distinguished leadership and commitment went to Mickeal.

        Three returning guards earned statistical awards: Kenny Satterfield for assists, Steve Logan for free throw shooting and Leonard Stokes for academic success.

       

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