Issue link: http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/96059
Charlotte 4 13 32 34 BYRON DINKINS (1985-89) The first recruit of the Jeff Mullins Era, Charlotte-native Byron Dinkins helped restore hometown pride in the 49ers program. He led the 1988 49er squad to the NCAA Southeast Regional after capturing the Sun Belt Conference Regular Season and Tournament championships -- all firsts for the program since 1977. MVP of both Sun Belt titles, "The Dink", a long-distance shooter and lightning-quick point guard with a ball-hawking defensive style, took full advantage of the new NCAA three-point rule and compiled 1657 points, 513 assists, and 139 three-point field goals. He is best remembered for his 37-point uprising in the Sun Belt title clinching win over UAB, Feb. 25, 1988. Retired Oct. 16, 1997. EDDIE BASDEN (2002-05) Make your presence felt. Must have been Eddie's credo. Eddie Basden did so offensively, defensively, on the boards, on the break, fFrom long range or in the paint. He had a knack for recognizing key moments and for making game-breaking plays. A two-time Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year and the 2005 C-USA Player of the Year, Eddie earned 2nd (Basketball Times) and 3rd (Sports Illustrated) team all-America honors. The 49ers all-time steals leader appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated for his defensive prowess. And he won games. He went to three NCAA Tournaments in four years, including his last two. In 2005 he led the 49ers to a 21-9 record and four straight weeks in the national rankings. Eddie did what was necessary, big or small, to win games. And he did so with class. MELVIN WATKINS (1973-77) A quality point guard, a quality coach and an unquestioned leader, Melvin Watkins brought integrity and competition to the court every game and every practice. Listen to his coach Lee Rose, "When I took over here (1975) I scheduled a meeting with each of the (returning) players. I met with Melvin first and cancelled every meeting thereafter. I knew I found my Captain." A muscular 6-3 guard from Reidsville, N.C., Watkins waited two years to become a starter and then captained teams to the 1976 NIT Finals and 1977 NCAA Final Four. He was the playmaker, the team leader and the heart and soul of teams that never lost a home game --58 straight wins, in fact. And, his teams compiled records of 22-4, 23-3, 24-6 and 28-5 for a combined mark of 97-18. Retired March 2, 1977. HENRY WILLIAMS (1988-92) The all-time leading scorer in 49er history with 2383 points, Henry Williams is one of the best three-point shooter in 49ers folklore with 308 bonus shots, including 105 as a senior when he led the 49ers to the 1992 Metro Conference Tournament crown and an "at-large" berth in the NCAA East Regional. His two free throws with just seconds left iced the title game over Tulane as he earned Metro MVP. The 6-2 southpaw guard from Indianapolis, Ind., Williams notched a 20-point game in a nationally-televised game against West Virginia in just his third game. He received 64 stitches in his forehead during a win over South Florida and played less than 36 hours later in Jacksonville. He produced a record 65 games of at least 20-points. Retired March 7, 1992. RETIRED 4 23 33 45 Basketball DEMARCO JOHNSON (1994-98) An unstoppable force inside, DeMarco Johnson made a name for himself with his strong moves, deft shooting touch and competitive nature. Named 1998 C-USA Player of the Year, Johnson was a two-time first team all-C-USA selection, who earned third-team all-America honors (Basketball Weekly) and honorable all-America honors (AP). One of just four players in school history to surpass 2000 career points (2005), he is still among C-USA's all-time leading scorers despite playing in that league for just three seasons. He retired as the school's fourth all-time leading scorer and third all-time leading rebounder and was a part of three NCAA Tournament teams, helping two of them (1997; 1998) advance to the 2nd round. He posted a 16.8 career scoring average; 7.8 career rebounding average. Retired Jan. 26, 2000. JARVIS LANG (1990-91; 92-95) The most explosive dunker in school history, Jarvis Lang authored a powerful career that included 1855 points, 1047 rebounds and a record 162 dunks. His rebounding number ranks second all-time, but no one grabbed more offensive rebounds. Lang, a 6-6 forward from Farmville, N.C., capped his career as the 1995 Metro Conference Most Valuable Player when he led the 49ers to the last of the league's 20 crowns and an "at-large" berth in the NCAA East Regional. In 1991, he was named First Team Freshman All-America by various publications, including UPI, when he led all NCAA frosh in scoring (19.6) and rebounding (10.6) -- just the third player in collegiate basketball ever to do so. Retired Oct. 15, 1996 CEDRIC MAXWELL (1973-77) The man who defines 49ers basketball is Cedric "Cornbread" Maxwell, the 1977 NCAA Mideast Regional Most Valuable Player and the man who led Charlotte to unexpected heights as a program newcomer to NCAA Division I basketball. He played on 49ers teams that posted an incredible 58-0 home record and a 97-18 mark, overall, which included runs through the 1976 NIT Finals and the 1977 NCAA Final Four. When he finished his career he owned numerous records including the program's scoring, rebounding and blocked shots records with 1824 points, 1117 rebounds and 94 blocks. The rebounding record still stands. Maxwell, a 6-8 center from Kinston, N.C., is considered the greatest player in 49er history. Retired March 2, 1977. CHARLES HAYWARD (1997-99) Charles fought the greatest battle. Facing Leukemia, just prior to his freshman season, Hayward stared it down to live his dream of playing college basketball. He worked like none other to return to top physical shape after being weakened by the chemotherapy that sent his Leukemia into remission. He returned to the team and the hardwood to play 10 games in the fall of 1998. Against George Washington, he scored eight points with seven rebounds and a Halton Arena record six blocked shots. He scored a game-tying basket with 1:00 left in overtime in the 49ers first visit to North Carolina. In late December, 1998, however the Leukemia returned. He passed away Sept. 12, 1999. An inspiration and a hero. Retired September 15, 1999. JERSEYS