Charlotte, NC – Johnson C. Smith University Athletics will recognize the 2000-01 Golden Bulls men's basketball team on Saturday, February 19, 2011 inside Brayboy Gymnasium. The department is honoring the team for winning the first CIAA Tournament Championship in school history, 10 years ago.
Has it been 10 years already? Apparently so and the 2000-01 team is still the most accomplished men's basketball squad at JCSU. The Golden Bulls finished the season 27-5 overall, 14-2 in the CIAA, and crowned with the Western Division title. JCSU advanced through the South Atlantic Regionals with victories over Wingate (92-60) and Winston-Salem State (64-52). Johnson C. Smith earned a spot in the Elite Eight played in Bakersfield, California before losing out to Washburn University (70-64).
But quite a journey took place for this team. JCSU finished the regular season 22-4 and were the top ranked squad in the conference. At the time, guard Antoine Sims (a junior) led the Golden Bulls in scoring, averaging 19.3 points per game. Forward Wiyle Petty (a senior) was also an offensive juggernaut averaging 18.1 points and shooting 44% (107-241) from the three point line. Forward Lemans Shingler (a senior) made J.C. Smith a three-headed monster with his 12 points and team-high 7.2 rebounds per game.
Johnson C. Smith faced struggles in the tournament in previous years, advancing the championship game but unable to get over the hump. Back then, the CIAA Tournament was held in the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Raleigh, NC. Johnson C. Smith beat Bowie State (74-63) in their first round of the tournament and moved on to face St. Augustine's. J.C. Smith advanced to the championship game with an 87-78 victory over the Falcons.
The championship game was set between the Golden Bulls and the Broncos of Fayetteville State University. This would be the third game in three days for JCSU. J.C. Smith looked to have the title won with a three point lead and only 3.5 seconds remaining in regulation. On the final possession of regulation, Broncos' forward Kenny Haywood caught the inbounds and threw up a prayerful three-pointer at time expired. To just about everyone's surprise, the shot went through sending the championship game into overtime.
“I was shocked, because he (Haywood) wasn't known as a three-point shooter and we defended the play well," said head coach (then & now)
Stephen Joyner, Sr. “That's the game of basketball, you have to play until the whistle or until the clock says zero-zero.”
As a true experienced team would do, JCSU did not panic nor lose any composure. Johnson C. Smith outscored Fayetteville State 10-8 in the extra period. The Broncos launched another buzzer beater but this attempt was unsuccessful. After losing in the championship game to Virginia Union three years earlier, the Golden Bulls had returned and finally claimed their crown.
"It's was an amazing feeling, I can't believe it's already been 10 years,” said Tyson Bates (a junior guard on the championship team). “It feels like it was just last week we were in Brayboy running the floor and now we're celebrating the 10th anniversary; time flies. It'll be good to see the fellas again on reminisce on those old times; as well as show our support for the current team.”
Since that 2000-01 season, Johnson C. Smith has won their division five times (2002, 2006, 2007, 2008, & 2009) and won two more CIAA Tournament titles (2008 & 2009).
The 2010-11 Golden Bulls team will challenges Winston Salem State inside Brayboy Gymnasium on Saturday, February 19th at 7:30 p.m. The women's team is set to play at 5:30 p.m. The recognition ceremony will take place between games on the court named after the winningest active coach in the CIAA and at JCSU, Stephen Joyner, Sr.
