Missouri State University trumped University of Arkansas 62-57 at the Bears' inaugural game at JQH Arena on Nov. 11. Not a bad first day at the office for head coach Cuonzo Martin, who was appointed to the helm of the Bears men's basketball program on March 26, 2008.
"I want to be very competitive and try to win ball games, graduate young men and get them prepared for this thing called life," says Martin, who moved here from Indiana, where he was Purdue University's associate head coach.
Martin is the 16th head coach in MSU's history, inheriting the 27th-winningest NCAA Division I program in America. He took the reins in time for the 100th anniversary of MSU basketball and to help the Bears settle into their new $67 million, 11,000-seat JQH Arena.
"(MSU officials) chose me to become the head coach, and the credit goes to them," Martin says. "I am grateful for the opportunity."
Modesty aside, the Bears have a lot to look up to in Martin. A native of East St. Louis, Ill., he played under legendary college coach Gene Keady from 1991-95 at Purdue. The 6'5" Martin - along with standout teammate and former NBA star Glenn Robinson - led the Purdue Boilermakers to consecutive Big Ten Conference titles in 1994 and 1995 as well as an Elite Eight appearance. He led the Big Ten in three-point shooting as a senior and was fourth in scoring. During Martin's four years, Purdue was 90-37, including 54-12 the last two years; he ranks 11th on the school's scoring list.
Martin played professional basketball for four years, with NBA appearances with the Milwaukee Bucks and Vancouver Grizzlies. He spent most of his playing time in the Continental Basketball Association and Europe.
Martin faced a major health scare when he found a lump in his chest that turned out to be non-Hodgkins lymphoma. After treatment and remission, Martin returned to Purdue, where he finished his degree and joined the Purdue coaching staff. He was assistant coach for eight years and was promoted to associate head coach in 2007.
The move to Springfield was a blessing, Martin says. In his first year with the Bears, Martin's team returns six players. He's also helping his family of five adjust to life in Springfield.
"I'm blessed to be a head coach, but I'm a father first," Martin says. "When people see me, I'm lucky to be a coach and have an everyday life."[[In-content Ad]]
