Eastern Michigan Athletics
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EMU Honors Inaugural Basketball Ring of Honor Recipients
10/8/2023 12:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, General
A group of 15 distinguished alumni comprise the first players inducted
Watch the Complete Ceremony | Photo Gallery
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – The George Gervin GameAbove Center, the home of Eastern Michigan University men's and women's basketball, is now adorned with the names of 15 distinguished alumni as the inaugural introduction into the Ring of Honor took place Saturday, Oct. 7. The group, comprised of 11 men and four women, make up the newly established Ring of Honor and pays tribute to the very best of EMU basketball, recognizing individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the sport.
To be eligible for inclusion in the Ring of Honor, individuals must have received All-American status from a major publication or played in an official National Basketball Association (NBA) or Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) game. These honorees have rightfully earned their distinguished place of honor within the George Gervin GameAbove Center, and their names will serve as an enduring source of inspiration for generations of athletes.
The list of inaugural inductees includes: Earl Boykins (1995-98), Fred Cofield (1983-85), Derrick Dial (1995-98), George Gervin (1970-72), Earle Higgins (1967-70), Grant Long (1984-88), Harvey Marlatt (1966-70), Kennedy McIntosh (1967-71), Lindell Reason (1969-72), Carl Thomas (1987-91), and Charles Thomas (1987-91) for the men's program and women's greats Laurie Byrd (1978-82), Ryan Coleman (2002-06), Tavelyn James (2008-12), and Stephanie Smiley (1998-02). Combined, the 15 players accounted for 16 All-America honors and played professionally for nearly 77 years.
Inaugural EMU Basketball Ring of Honor Inductees
Men's Basketball (11)
Earl Boykins (1995-98) • 13 Years in the NBA • 1997-98 Associate Press Honorable Mention All-American
One of the shortest players in NBA history, Boykins stands as one of the biggest figures in Eastern Michigan basketball history. A 1997-98 Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American and the 1997 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year, Boykins was a three-time All-Mid-American Conference selection, including twice earning first-team accolades (1997 and 1998) after earning second-team distinction in 1996. A two-time MAC All-Tournament Team honoree, Boykins was tabbed as the 1998 MAC Tournament MVP as Eastern captured the title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament as the No. 13 seed. The school's record holder with 503 made free throws and 624 assists in his career, Boykins ranks highly in a number of all-time categories, including second all-time in scoring as only the second EMU player to surpass 2,000 points in a career with 2,211, eight off the all-time lead. His 18.2 points per game average ranks second for a career as well. On a season level, the point guard dropped 746 points in the 1997-98 season, the third-most in a single season at EMU, as he averaged an astounding 25.7 points, trailing only George Gervin's 29.5 points (1971-72) in the record book. Following his time in Ypsilanti, the undrafted Boykins saw action in 652 career games over 13 seasons with 10 different NBA teams. Previously, Eastern Michigan honored Boykins by retiring his #11 jersey before enshrining him in the E-Club Hall of Fame in 2013.
Fred Cofield (1983-85) • 2 Years in the NBA
A two-year member of the program after transferring in from the University of Oregon, Cofield was a strong scorer for Eastern Michigan as he collected 1,030 points during his time in Ypsilanti. A three-time All-Mid-American Conference selection, including a first-team honoree in 1985, Cofield closed out his time at EMU during the 1984-85 season in which he averaged 20.6 points per game, making him just the sixth Eastern player in program history to average 20.0 or more points in a single season at the time. He carried a career 18.1 points per game average which ranks him fourth all-time in EMU history as well. The team's leading scorer in back-to-back seasons (1983-84 and 1984-85), Cofield also was a strong passer as he dished out 166 assists in his final season, the fifth-most in a season at EMU. Following his time in Ypsilanti, he was drafted by the New York Knicks in the fourth round (73rd overall) of the 1985 NBA Draft. He played for a pair of teams in the Association, including the Knicks and Chicago Bulls.
Derrick Dial (1995-98) • 5 Years in the NBA
A former walk-on into the program, Dial was a four-year starter and helped the team to two NCAA Tournament appearances and one NIT post-season event. Appearing in 124 games and earning a start in 115, Dial was twice named All-Mid-American Conference Second Team (1997 and 1998) and added selection to the MAC All-Tournament Team those same years. The third-highest scorer in program history (1,891 points), Dial was deadly from deep as he is the program's all-time leader in three-point baskets made with 214. During his senior season (1997-98), he averaged 20.9 points per game after scoring 607 points that season and connecting on 79 made triples, the fifth-most in a single season. One of only 14 players in EMU history to reach the 1,000-point, 500-rebound club (1,891-692), Dial was enshrined in the E-Club Hall of Fame in 2013. Following his time in Ypsilanti, Dial was drafted in the second round (52nd overall) of the 1998 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs. He played for four different teams in the Association, including the Spurs, New Jersey Nets, Toronto Raptors, and Orlando Magic.
George Gervin (1970-72) • 10 Years in the NBA • 3 First-Team All-America Honors (1971-72 UPI, NABC, Universal Sports)
The Iceman is one of the best players in the history of the game. A two-year member of the program, Gervin helped EMU to new heights as the team advanced to the 1972 NCAA College Division National Championship game. That same season, Gervin was awarded four All-America honors, including UPI College Division First Team, NABC College Division First Team, Universal Sports First Team, and Basketball Weekly All-Sophomore. The program's record holder for scoring average at 26.8 points per game, which is 7.5 points ahead of the next player on the list, Gervin was a double-double machine as he averaged 14.4 rebounds per game, which is 2.5 more than the next EMU player. Ranked 28th all-time in scoring at EMU (1,044 points), Gervin took his game to the next level and added numerous honors. Drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the 1974 NBA Draft (third round, 40th overall), Gervin remained with the ABA's Virginia Squires before coming to the NBA and playing for the San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls. One of the Spurs' all-time greats, Gervin was a nine-time NBA All-Star, the MVP of the 1980 NBA All-Star Game, a five-time All-NBA First Team and two-time second-team selection, a four-time NBA season scoring champion, a member of the ABA All-Time Team, and selected to both the 50th and 75th-anniversary teams by the NBA. Enshrined into the E-Club Hall of Fame in 1993, Gervin has had two jerseys retired, including his #24 at Eastern Michigan (Jan. 22, 1986) and his #44 at San Antonio (Dec. 5, 1987).
Earle Higgins (1967-70) • 1969-70 Basketball News Small College Second Team
One of the first five players in program history to score over 1,000 points in a career, Higgins finished his EMU career with 1,235 points, which ranks 20th all-time, and 577 rebounds, the 16th-most in program history. The first All-American in program history when he was tabbed a Basketball News Small College Second Team honoree following the 1969-70 season, Higgins ranks eighth in program history with his 16.2 points per game average. During the 1967-68 season, he averaged 20.8 points per game, which, at the time, was the highest ever recorded by an EMU player, and ranks seventh today. Higgins, who is one of just 14 players in EMU history to scored at least 1,000 points and record at least 500 rebounds, was enshrined in the E-Club Hall of Fame in 1997. Following his career in Ypsilanti, Higgins was the first player in program history drafted by a professional team as he was taken in the third round (36th overall) of the 1970 NBA Draft by the San Francisco Warriors. He would go on to play in the ABA for the Indiana Pacers.
Grant Long (1984-88) • 15 Years in the NBA
A do-it-all player, Grant Long was one of the best players in the league as he was named the 1998 Mid-American Conference Player of the Year. A two-time All-MAC First Team honoree (1987 and 1988) and the MAC Tournament MVP in 1988, Long is one of 14 EMU players to record over 1,000 points (1,469) and 500 rebounds (863) in a career. Ranked third all-time with 171 steals, Long also was solid from the free throw line where he connected on a school-record 215 during the 1987-88 season, making him just the second EMU player to score 200+ free throws in a season, joining George Gervin, who connected on 208 in 1971-72. That same season, Long averaged 23.0 points per game to become just the fourth EMU player to average 23.0+ in a single season. Following his time with Eastern, Long was drafted by the Miami Heat in the second round (33rd overall) in the 1988 NBA Draft. A 15-year veteran in the Association, Long played 1,003 career games with the Heat, Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, Vancouver/Memphis Grizzlies, and Boston Celtics. Enshrined into the E-Club Hall of Fame in 1998, Long had his #43 jersey retired at EMU Dec. 2, 2003.
Harvey Marlatt (1966-70) • 3 Years in the NBA • 1969-70 NAIA Second Team All-American
The second player in program history to be drafted into the National Basketball Association (NBA), Marlatt was the captain of the 1969-70 season when he earned a spot on the 1970 NAIA All-America Second Team. A four-year standout for EMU, he finished his career with 1,680 points, which ranks eighth in program history. One of the top free-throw shooters at EMU, Marlatt ranks second all-time with 486 career makes from the charity stripe while his 149 makes in 1967-68 ranks ninth all-time and stood as the school record until 1970-71. Marlatt helped Eastern reach the NAIA National Tournament three times and was named the team's MVP in 1968-69. To this day, his 18 assists in a game at Ferris State, March 4, 1970, stands a single-game record at EMU. Enshrined into the E-Club Hall of Fame in 1979, Marlatt was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in the 16th round (224th overall) in the 1970 NBA Draft. He played one season for the Pistons.
Kennedy McIntosh (1967-71) • 3 Years in the NBA • 4 All-America Honors in 1970-71 (NAIA, AP, UPI (2nd), and NABC)
Kennedy McIntosh is among the all-time greats in EMU history. The first player in program history to lead his team in scoring three years in a row, rebounding four years in a row, and both categories three times, McIntosh added to his legacy by becoming the first player in Eastern history to earn four All-America certificates in one year. Following the 1970-71 season, the All-America teams he was named to included the NAIA First Team, Associate Press Second Team, UPI Second Team, and NABC First Team. The only EMU player to ever record 2,000 points (2,219) and 1,000 rebounds (1,426), Marlatt is the all-time leader in both categories while also holding the standard in field goals (914), field goal attempts (1,861), and free throw attempts (757). In his senior season, he scored 838 points, the most for a senior season in EMU history, a then-school-record mark until George Gervin scored 886 points one year later. That same year, McIntosh set records from the free throw line as he attempted a record 296. Enshrined into the E-Club Hall of Fame in 1996, McIntosh's #54 jersey hangs from the rafters at EMU after being retired Jan. 14, 2006. Following his time Ypsilanti, McIntosh was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the first round (15th overall) in the 1971 NBA Draft. The highest draft selection in program history and the only first-rounder, McIntosh played for a pair of teams, including the Bulls and the Seattle SuperSonics.
Lindell Reason (1969-72) • 1970-71 NAIA Third Team All-American
A 1970-71 NAIA All-America Third Team honoree, Lindell Reason accumulated 1,454 points during his EMU career, a total that ranks 14th today. Averaging 16.5 points per contest, which ranks seventh in program history, he also was a distributor as his 417 career assists ranks fifth all-time. In his third year at Eastern (1970-71), Reason scored 633 points, the seventh-most in single-season history at EMU, and the most ever by a junior, a mark that still stands today. One of the leaders that helped EMU reach back-to-back NAIA National Tournaments, including an appearance in the 1970-71 championship game, as well as the 1972 NCAA College Division Final Four, Reason was enshrined in the E-Club Hall of Fame in 2008. Following his time in Ypsilanti, Reason was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in the eighth round (123rd overall) in the 1973 NBA Draft.
Carl Thomas (1987-91) • 6 Year in the NBA
Carl Thomas was a four-year letter winner at EMU and a key member of two NCAA Tournament and Mid-American Conference Championship teams. He helped the team record an 84-40 record in his four years as he played in 113 games with 66 starts. Thomas finished his career with 1,179 points and 452 rebounds and set the career record for three-point field goals with 185 when he finished his career in 1991. Thomas was also in top 20 in career assists with 249. He scored a career-best 27 points against North Carolina in the NCAA Sweet 16 game in 1991. Named to the All-East Region Team of the NCAA Tournament in 1991, his NCAA career tournament total of 62 points ties teammate Markus Kennedy for the most in EMU history. Following his playing days at Eastern, Thomas would play six seasons in the NBA after going undrafted. He played in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, and Orlando Magic.
Charles Thomas (1987-91) • 2 Years in the NBA
A four-year letter winner for Eastern while playing alongside his twin brother, Carl, Charles Thomas finished his career with 710 points, 347 rebounds and third in career three-point field goals with 116 and finished in top 20 in assists (241). He played in 109 career games with 42 starts and helped EMU record an 84-40 mark in his four-year career. He started in the NCAA Tournament in 1990-91 and scored nine vs. Mississippi State, 11 versus Penn State and eight against North Carolina. Thomas was awarded EMU's Most Improved and Defensive Player after the 1990-91 season and is 1-of-9 sets of twins to have played NBA games.
Women's Basketball (4)
Laurie Byrd (1978-82) • 16 Years of Professional Basketball
The first player in program history to earn All-Mid-American Conference First Team honors, Laurie Byrd was the top player on a new program when Eastern Michigan first began varsity action. The all-conference selection in 1981-82 came as Byrd capped a brilliant four-year career that saw her put up numbers that still rank among the best in program history today. At the time of her graduation, her 1,899 points stood as the record before Tavelyn James scored 2,470 points from 2008-12, snapping a record that stood for nearly 30 years. With 37 points at Miami, Dec. 12, 1981, she set the single-game scoring mark and drained a record 17 field goals as well. All told that season, she scored 23.2 points per game, a mark that ranked first at EMU for 30 years. During her time with EMU, she also was invited to participate with the Olympic Team at the 1979 National Sports Festival. Following her time in Ypsilanti, Byrd began a professional career that spanned 16 years in leagues in Switzerland, Sweden, Italy, and Spain, before she played one season in the WNBA. During her time overseas, Byrd was named the Most Valuable Player of the Suisse Cup as a member of the championship team in Switzerland in 1985-86 and was selected as the Most Valuable Player in Sweden in 1987-88. Enshrined into the E-Club Hall of Fame in 1993, Byrd played in the WBL, WBA, and ABL professional women's basketball leagues in the United States. Along with her E-Club honor, she has been inducted into two other Halls, including the AAU Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame.
Ryan Coleman (2002-06) • 2004-05 & 2005-06 WBCA All-American Honorable Mention
Coleman is one of the most prolific scorers in program history. During her four years with the program, she rewrote the EMU and Mid-American Conference record books, ranking in the top 20 in the history of the MAC in scoring and became just the second player in MAC history to record 1,500 points, 600 rebounds, 300 assists and 200 steals in a career. Selected for Kodak/WBCA Honorable Mention All-American honors twice (2004-05 and 2005-06), Coleman was named MAC Player of the Week nine times, ranking third in conference history. She earned postseason honors all four seasons, including First Team All-MAC three times and Second Team All-MAC once. Named the MAC Tournament MVP and to the MAC All-Tournament Team in the 2003-04 season, Coleman led the Eagles in points (16.9 per game), field goals (165), three-pointers (32), assists (4.1 per game), steals (2.1 per game), blocks (0.6 per game) and minutes (36.9 per game) in a career. Ranked among the conference leaders in scoring, field-goal percentage, rebounds, blocks, steals and assists, she became just the third Eagle to record a career 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, and 200 assists. Coleman, who collected the MAC's only triple-double of 2004-05 and just the second in school history, ranked sixth in the nation in three-point field goal percentage (42.5) and 39th in points per game (17.9). She also ranked in the top-10 in four of the five MAC offensive categories, including second in scoring (17.9 ppg). In her senior season, she finished as the runner-up for the MAC Player of the Year award after being named the MVP at the Eagle Classic, USF Roundball Classic and the Missouri Tiger Classic. Following her time in Ypsilanti, she signed a free agent contact with the WNBA's Detroit Shock (2006) and went on to play professionally in the European Leagues for five years (2006-2010).
Tavelyn James (2008-12) • 2011-12 AP All-America Honorable Mention & WBCA All-America Honorable Mention
James went down in EMU laurels as the most prolific scorer in the history of the women's basketball program. She was the first player to score over 500 points in three consecutive seasons, culminating in a program-high 2,470 points in her four-year career. The total broke a mark which had stood for 29 years, as Laurie Byrd previously held the distinction of all-time leading scorer with 1,899 points in 1982. The local product out of Mumford High School in Detroit, Mich., boasts numerous program records, including the top three spots for points scored in a single season (761 from 2011-12, 642 from 2010-11, and 641 from 2009-10); the top five spots for points scored in a single game with her highest total being 42 points against Northeastern, Nov. 11, 2011; and most three-pointers scored in a single contest as she drained 10 triples versus Kent State, Feb. 11, 2012. A three-time All-Mid-American Conference First Team honoree, James' success extends to the conference level, as her career total points scored ranks second all-time in the conference. For her performance during her senior season in which she averaged 23.8 ppg, James was named the 2012 MAC Player of the Year and is the only Eagle to have earned the distinction. In her final season donning the Green and White, she was also named a WBCA Honorable Mention All-American and an Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American. As a star on the court and in the classroom, James was the recipient of the 2012 Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award, which is presented annually by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame to an outstanding 5-foot-8 and under athlete who excels both athletically and academically.
Stephanie Smiley (1998-02) • 2001-02 WBCA All-American Honorable Mention
Stephanie Smiley stands as one of the top players in EMU history as she led EMU to four consecutive winning seasons for the first time in school history. Named to the All Mid-American Conference Freshman Team and named the MAC Freshman of the Year in 1999, she also collected Second Team All-MAC in 1999-00 season before being tabbed Preseason First Team All-MAC in 2000-01 and 2001-02 and First Team All-MAC in both the 2000-01 and 2001-02 seasons, becoming the first player in EMU Women's Basketball school history to earn First Team honors twice in her career. Named a WBCA All-American Honorable Mention in 2002, she finished her career with 1,401 points, 784 rebounds, 174 three-point baskets, 491 free-throws, 243 steals, 103 blocked shots, 13 career double-doubles and EMU's first ever triple-double. The first player in EMU history to start every possible game of her career with 114 game starts, Smiley left EMU holding career records for games played, game starts, minutes played (4,288 minutes), assists (577) and rebounds (784). The MAC Player of the Week seven times during her career, Smiley was the first player in MAC history - man or women - to record at least 1,400 points, 700 rebounds, 500 assists, and bench mark 200 steals and 100 blocked shots.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – The George Gervin GameAbove Center, the home of Eastern Michigan University men's and women's basketball, is now adorned with the names of 15 distinguished alumni as the inaugural introduction into the Ring of Honor took place Saturday, Oct. 7. The group, comprised of 11 men and four women, make up the newly established Ring of Honor and pays tribute to the very best of EMU basketball, recognizing individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the sport.
To be eligible for inclusion in the Ring of Honor, individuals must have received All-American status from a major publication or played in an official National Basketball Association (NBA) or Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) game. These honorees have rightfully earned their distinguished place of honor within the George Gervin GameAbove Center, and their names will serve as an enduring source of inspiration for generations of athletes.
The list of inaugural inductees includes: Earl Boykins (1995-98), Fred Cofield (1983-85), Derrick Dial (1995-98), George Gervin (1970-72), Earle Higgins (1967-70), Grant Long (1984-88), Harvey Marlatt (1966-70), Kennedy McIntosh (1967-71), Lindell Reason (1969-72), Carl Thomas (1987-91), and Charles Thomas (1987-91) for the men's program and women's greats Laurie Byrd (1978-82), Ryan Coleman (2002-06), Tavelyn James (2008-12), and Stephanie Smiley (1998-02). Combined, the 15 players accounted for 16 All-America honors and played professionally for nearly 77 years.
Inaugural EMU Basketball Ring of Honor Inductees
Men's Basketball (11)
Earl Boykins (1995-98) • 13 Years in the NBA • 1997-98 Associate Press Honorable Mention All-American
One of the shortest players in NBA history, Boykins stands as one of the biggest figures in Eastern Michigan basketball history. A 1997-98 Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American and the 1997 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year, Boykins was a three-time All-Mid-American Conference selection, including twice earning first-team accolades (1997 and 1998) after earning second-team distinction in 1996. A two-time MAC All-Tournament Team honoree, Boykins was tabbed as the 1998 MAC Tournament MVP as Eastern captured the title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament as the No. 13 seed. The school's record holder with 503 made free throws and 624 assists in his career, Boykins ranks highly in a number of all-time categories, including second all-time in scoring as only the second EMU player to surpass 2,000 points in a career with 2,211, eight off the all-time lead. His 18.2 points per game average ranks second for a career as well. On a season level, the point guard dropped 746 points in the 1997-98 season, the third-most in a single season at EMU, as he averaged an astounding 25.7 points, trailing only George Gervin's 29.5 points (1971-72) in the record book. Following his time in Ypsilanti, the undrafted Boykins saw action in 652 career games over 13 seasons with 10 different NBA teams. Previously, Eastern Michigan honored Boykins by retiring his #11 jersey before enshrining him in the E-Club Hall of Fame in 2013.
Fred Cofield (1983-85) • 2 Years in the NBA
A two-year member of the program after transferring in from the University of Oregon, Cofield was a strong scorer for Eastern Michigan as he collected 1,030 points during his time in Ypsilanti. A three-time All-Mid-American Conference selection, including a first-team honoree in 1985, Cofield closed out his time at EMU during the 1984-85 season in which he averaged 20.6 points per game, making him just the sixth Eastern player in program history to average 20.0 or more points in a single season at the time. He carried a career 18.1 points per game average which ranks him fourth all-time in EMU history as well. The team's leading scorer in back-to-back seasons (1983-84 and 1984-85), Cofield also was a strong passer as he dished out 166 assists in his final season, the fifth-most in a season at EMU. Following his time in Ypsilanti, he was drafted by the New York Knicks in the fourth round (73rd overall) of the 1985 NBA Draft. He played for a pair of teams in the Association, including the Knicks and Chicago Bulls.
Derrick Dial (1995-98) • 5 Years in the NBA
A former walk-on into the program, Dial was a four-year starter and helped the team to two NCAA Tournament appearances and one NIT post-season event. Appearing in 124 games and earning a start in 115, Dial was twice named All-Mid-American Conference Second Team (1997 and 1998) and added selection to the MAC All-Tournament Team those same years. The third-highest scorer in program history (1,891 points), Dial was deadly from deep as he is the program's all-time leader in three-point baskets made with 214. During his senior season (1997-98), he averaged 20.9 points per game after scoring 607 points that season and connecting on 79 made triples, the fifth-most in a single season. One of only 14 players in EMU history to reach the 1,000-point, 500-rebound club (1,891-692), Dial was enshrined in the E-Club Hall of Fame in 2013. Following his time in Ypsilanti, Dial was drafted in the second round (52nd overall) of the 1998 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs. He played for four different teams in the Association, including the Spurs, New Jersey Nets, Toronto Raptors, and Orlando Magic.
George Gervin (1970-72) • 10 Years in the NBA • 3 First-Team All-America Honors (1971-72 UPI, NABC, Universal Sports)
The Iceman is one of the best players in the history of the game. A two-year member of the program, Gervin helped EMU to new heights as the team advanced to the 1972 NCAA College Division National Championship game. That same season, Gervin was awarded four All-America honors, including UPI College Division First Team, NABC College Division First Team, Universal Sports First Team, and Basketball Weekly All-Sophomore. The program's record holder for scoring average at 26.8 points per game, which is 7.5 points ahead of the next player on the list, Gervin was a double-double machine as he averaged 14.4 rebounds per game, which is 2.5 more than the next EMU player. Ranked 28th all-time in scoring at EMU (1,044 points), Gervin took his game to the next level and added numerous honors. Drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the 1974 NBA Draft (third round, 40th overall), Gervin remained with the ABA's Virginia Squires before coming to the NBA and playing for the San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls. One of the Spurs' all-time greats, Gervin was a nine-time NBA All-Star, the MVP of the 1980 NBA All-Star Game, a five-time All-NBA First Team and two-time second-team selection, a four-time NBA season scoring champion, a member of the ABA All-Time Team, and selected to both the 50th and 75th-anniversary teams by the NBA. Enshrined into the E-Club Hall of Fame in 1993, Gervin has had two jerseys retired, including his #24 at Eastern Michigan (Jan. 22, 1986) and his #44 at San Antonio (Dec. 5, 1987).
Earle Higgins (1967-70) • 1969-70 Basketball News Small College Second Team
One of the first five players in program history to score over 1,000 points in a career, Higgins finished his EMU career with 1,235 points, which ranks 20th all-time, and 577 rebounds, the 16th-most in program history. The first All-American in program history when he was tabbed a Basketball News Small College Second Team honoree following the 1969-70 season, Higgins ranks eighth in program history with his 16.2 points per game average. During the 1967-68 season, he averaged 20.8 points per game, which, at the time, was the highest ever recorded by an EMU player, and ranks seventh today. Higgins, who is one of just 14 players in EMU history to scored at least 1,000 points and record at least 500 rebounds, was enshrined in the E-Club Hall of Fame in 1997. Following his career in Ypsilanti, Higgins was the first player in program history drafted by a professional team as he was taken in the third round (36th overall) of the 1970 NBA Draft by the San Francisco Warriors. He would go on to play in the ABA for the Indiana Pacers.
Grant Long (1984-88) • 15 Years in the NBA
A do-it-all player, Grant Long was one of the best players in the league as he was named the 1998 Mid-American Conference Player of the Year. A two-time All-MAC First Team honoree (1987 and 1988) and the MAC Tournament MVP in 1988, Long is one of 14 EMU players to record over 1,000 points (1,469) and 500 rebounds (863) in a career. Ranked third all-time with 171 steals, Long also was solid from the free throw line where he connected on a school-record 215 during the 1987-88 season, making him just the second EMU player to score 200+ free throws in a season, joining George Gervin, who connected on 208 in 1971-72. That same season, Long averaged 23.0 points per game to become just the fourth EMU player to average 23.0+ in a single season. Following his time with Eastern, Long was drafted by the Miami Heat in the second round (33rd overall) in the 1988 NBA Draft. A 15-year veteran in the Association, Long played 1,003 career games with the Heat, Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, Vancouver/Memphis Grizzlies, and Boston Celtics. Enshrined into the E-Club Hall of Fame in 1998, Long had his #43 jersey retired at EMU Dec. 2, 2003.
Harvey Marlatt (1966-70) • 3 Years in the NBA • 1969-70 NAIA Second Team All-American
The second player in program history to be drafted into the National Basketball Association (NBA), Marlatt was the captain of the 1969-70 season when he earned a spot on the 1970 NAIA All-America Second Team. A four-year standout for EMU, he finished his career with 1,680 points, which ranks eighth in program history. One of the top free-throw shooters at EMU, Marlatt ranks second all-time with 486 career makes from the charity stripe while his 149 makes in 1967-68 ranks ninth all-time and stood as the school record until 1970-71. Marlatt helped Eastern reach the NAIA National Tournament three times and was named the team's MVP in 1968-69. To this day, his 18 assists in a game at Ferris State, March 4, 1970, stands a single-game record at EMU. Enshrined into the E-Club Hall of Fame in 1979, Marlatt was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in the 16th round (224th overall) in the 1970 NBA Draft. He played one season for the Pistons.
Kennedy McIntosh (1967-71) • 3 Years in the NBA • 4 All-America Honors in 1970-71 (NAIA, AP, UPI (2nd), and NABC)
Kennedy McIntosh is among the all-time greats in EMU history. The first player in program history to lead his team in scoring three years in a row, rebounding four years in a row, and both categories three times, McIntosh added to his legacy by becoming the first player in Eastern history to earn four All-America certificates in one year. Following the 1970-71 season, the All-America teams he was named to included the NAIA First Team, Associate Press Second Team, UPI Second Team, and NABC First Team. The only EMU player to ever record 2,000 points (2,219) and 1,000 rebounds (1,426), Marlatt is the all-time leader in both categories while also holding the standard in field goals (914), field goal attempts (1,861), and free throw attempts (757). In his senior season, he scored 838 points, the most for a senior season in EMU history, a then-school-record mark until George Gervin scored 886 points one year later. That same year, McIntosh set records from the free throw line as he attempted a record 296. Enshrined into the E-Club Hall of Fame in 1996, McIntosh's #54 jersey hangs from the rafters at EMU after being retired Jan. 14, 2006. Following his time Ypsilanti, McIntosh was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the first round (15th overall) in the 1971 NBA Draft. The highest draft selection in program history and the only first-rounder, McIntosh played for a pair of teams, including the Bulls and the Seattle SuperSonics.
Lindell Reason (1969-72) • 1970-71 NAIA Third Team All-American
A 1970-71 NAIA All-America Third Team honoree, Lindell Reason accumulated 1,454 points during his EMU career, a total that ranks 14th today. Averaging 16.5 points per contest, which ranks seventh in program history, he also was a distributor as his 417 career assists ranks fifth all-time. In his third year at Eastern (1970-71), Reason scored 633 points, the seventh-most in single-season history at EMU, and the most ever by a junior, a mark that still stands today. One of the leaders that helped EMU reach back-to-back NAIA National Tournaments, including an appearance in the 1970-71 championship game, as well as the 1972 NCAA College Division Final Four, Reason was enshrined in the E-Club Hall of Fame in 2008. Following his time in Ypsilanti, Reason was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in the eighth round (123rd overall) in the 1973 NBA Draft.
Carl Thomas (1987-91) • 6 Year in the NBA
Carl Thomas was a four-year letter winner at EMU and a key member of two NCAA Tournament and Mid-American Conference Championship teams. He helped the team record an 84-40 record in his four years as he played in 113 games with 66 starts. Thomas finished his career with 1,179 points and 452 rebounds and set the career record for three-point field goals with 185 when he finished his career in 1991. Thomas was also in top 20 in career assists with 249. He scored a career-best 27 points against North Carolina in the NCAA Sweet 16 game in 1991. Named to the All-East Region Team of the NCAA Tournament in 1991, his NCAA career tournament total of 62 points ties teammate Markus Kennedy for the most in EMU history. Following his playing days at Eastern, Thomas would play six seasons in the NBA after going undrafted. He played in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, and Orlando Magic.
Charles Thomas (1987-91) • 2 Years in the NBA
A four-year letter winner for Eastern while playing alongside his twin brother, Carl, Charles Thomas finished his career with 710 points, 347 rebounds and third in career three-point field goals with 116 and finished in top 20 in assists (241). He played in 109 career games with 42 starts and helped EMU record an 84-40 mark in his four-year career. He started in the NCAA Tournament in 1990-91 and scored nine vs. Mississippi State, 11 versus Penn State and eight against North Carolina. Thomas was awarded EMU's Most Improved and Defensive Player after the 1990-91 season and is 1-of-9 sets of twins to have played NBA games.
Women's Basketball (4)
Laurie Byrd (1978-82) • 16 Years of Professional Basketball
The first player in program history to earn All-Mid-American Conference First Team honors, Laurie Byrd was the top player on a new program when Eastern Michigan first began varsity action. The all-conference selection in 1981-82 came as Byrd capped a brilliant four-year career that saw her put up numbers that still rank among the best in program history today. At the time of her graduation, her 1,899 points stood as the record before Tavelyn James scored 2,470 points from 2008-12, snapping a record that stood for nearly 30 years. With 37 points at Miami, Dec. 12, 1981, she set the single-game scoring mark and drained a record 17 field goals as well. All told that season, she scored 23.2 points per game, a mark that ranked first at EMU for 30 years. During her time with EMU, she also was invited to participate with the Olympic Team at the 1979 National Sports Festival. Following her time in Ypsilanti, Byrd began a professional career that spanned 16 years in leagues in Switzerland, Sweden, Italy, and Spain, before she played one season in the WNBA. During her time overseas, Byrd was named the Most Valuable Player of the Suisse Cup as a member of the championship team in Switzerland in 1985-86 and was selected as the Most Valuable Player in Sweden in 1987-88. Enshrined into the E-Club Hall of Fame in 1993, Byrd played in the WBL, WBA, and ABL professional women's basketball leagues in the United States. Along with her E-Club honor, she has been inducted into two other Halls, including the AAU Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame.
Ryan Coleman (2002-06) • 2004-05 & 2005-06 WBCA All-American Honorable Mention
Coleman is one of the most prolific scorers in program history. During her four years with the program, she rewrote the EMU and Mid-American Conference record books, ranking in the top 20 in the history of the MAC in scoring and became just the second player in MAC history to record 1,500 points, 600 rebounds, 300 assists and 200 steals in a career. Selected for Kodak/WBCA Honorable Mention All-American honors twice (2004-05 and 2005-06), Coleman was named MAC Player of the Week nine times, ranking third in conference history. She earned postseason honors all four seasons, including First Team All-MAC three times and Second Team All-MAC once. Named the MAC Tournament MVP and to the MAC All-Tournament Team in the 2003-04 season, Coleman led the Eagles in points (16.9 per game), field goals (165), three-pointers (32), assists (4.1 per game), steals (2.1 per game), blocks (0.6 per game) and minutes (36.9 per game) in a career. Ranked among the conference leaders in scoring, field-goal percentage, rebounds, blocks, steals and assists, she became just the third Eagle to record a career 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, and 200 assists. Coleman, who collected the MAC's only triple-double of 2004-05 and just the second in school history, ranked sixth in the nation in three-point field goal percentage (42.5) and 39th in points per game (17.9). She also ranked in the top-10 in four of the five MAC offensive categories, including second in scoring (17.9 ppg). In her senior season, she finished as the runner-up for the MAC Player of the Year award after being named the MVP at the Eagle Classic, USF Roundball Classic and the Missouri Tiger Classic. Following her time in Ypsilanti, she signed a free agent contact with the WNBA's Detroit Shock (2006) and went on to play professionally in the European Leagues for five years (2006-2010).
Tavelyn James (2008-12) • 2011-12 AP All-America Honorable Mention & WBCA All-America Honorable Mention
James went down in EMU laurels as the most prolific scorer in the history of the women's basketball program. She was the first player to score over 500 points in three consecutive seasons, culminating in a program-high 2,470 points in her four-year career. The total broke a mark which had stood for 29 years, as Laurie Byrd previously held the distinction of all-time leading scorer with 1,899 points in 1982. The local product out of Mumford High School in Detroit, Mich., boasts numerous program records, including the top three spots for points scored in a single season (761 from 2011-12, 642 from 2010-11, and 641 from 2009-10); the top five spots for points scored in a single game with her highest total being 42 points against Northeastern, Nov. 11, 2011; and most three-pointers scored in a single contest as she drained 10 triples versus Kent State, Feb. 11, 2012. A three-time All-Mid-American Conference First Team honoree, James' success extends to the conference level, as her career total points scored ranks second all-time in the conference. For her performance during her senior season in which she averaged 23.8 ppg, James was named the 2012 MAC Player of the Year and is the only Eagle to have earned the distinction. In her final season donning the Green and White, she was also named a WBCA Honorable Mention All-American and an Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American. As a star on the court and in the classroom, James was the recipient of the 2012 Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award, which is presented annually by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame to an outstanding 5-foot-8 and under athlete who excels both athletically and academically.
Stephanie Smiley (1998-02) • 2001-02 WBCA All-American Honorable Mention
Stephanie Smiley stands as one of the top players in EMU history as she led EMU to four consecutive winning seasons for the first time in school history. Named to the All Mid-American Conference Freshman Team and named the MAC Freshman of the Year in 1999, she also collected Second Team All-MAC in 1999-00 season before being tabbed Preseason First Team All-MAC in 2000-01 and 2001-02 and First Team All-MAC in both the 2000-01 and 2001-02 seasons, becoming the first player in EMU Women's Basketball school history to earn First Team honors twice in her career. Named a WBCA All-American Honorable Mention in 2002, she finished her career with 1,401 points, 784 rebounds, 174 three-point baskets, 491 free-throws, 243 steals, 103 blocked shots, 13 career double-doubles and EMU's first ever triple-double. The first player in EMU history to start every possible game of her career with 114 game starts, Smiley left EMU holding career records for games played, game starts, minutes played (4,288 minutes), assists (577) and rebounds (784). The MAC Player of the Week seven times during her career, Smiley was the first player in MAC history - man or women - to record at least 1,400 points, 700 rebounds, 500 assists, and bench mark 200 steals and 100 blocked shots.
2025-26 Field of 68 Men's Basketball Preview: Eastern Michigan Eagles
Tuesday, October 21
Men's Basketball Alumni Game All Call
Tuesday, October 21
2025 E-Club Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony
Saturday, October 11
E-Club Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Cinematic Recap
Saturday, October 11