Hall of Fame
One of the most successful Division II Basketball programs of the 1990's, the 1997-98 Griffon Men's Basketball team becomes the third of Coach Tom Smith's teams to be enshrined into the Hall of Fame.
The team finished with a 23-7 record including going 13-3 in the MIAA which tied for a conference championship. The team then ran off three straight home victories to claim the MIAA Tournament Title including a 65-62 victory over Northwest Missouri State in the championship game. In winning the MIAA Tournament, the squad secured the programs then, seventh selection to the NCAA Tournament.
Four players averaged in double figures led by guards Jessie James and Mitch Garrett (12 points per game), forward Trey Parks (11 points per game) along with forward and MWSU Hall of Fame member Nick Jenkins (10.9 points per game).
Other team members include: guards - Rod Smith, Doug Lee, Albert Collins and Donald Guyton; forwards – Sterling Rachal, Kevin Bristol, Ronnie Steed and Terry Polk along with assistant coaches – Mike Nicholson and Josh Keister.
