UA is set to honor Moncrief

FAYETTEVILLE — Sidney Moncrief, who starred on the University of Arkansas’ 1978 Final Four basketball team and was a consensus All-American as a senior in 1979, will be honored at Walton Arena today before the Razorbacks’ game against LSU for his induction into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.

The Razorbacks were a combined 83-11 in Moncrief ’s last three seasons and reached the NCAA Tournament, including a 32-4 record when Arkansas went to the 1978 Final Four in St. Louis with Moncrief, Ron Brewer and Marvin Delph — 6-4 guards who became known as “The Triplets” — leading the way.

“We are very proud of Sidney, and it’s an opportunity for us to recognize a great Razorback,” Arkansas Coach Mike Anderson said. “We always talk about those Triplets and what they meant to the program.”

Anderson attended Moncrief ’s induction ceremony in Kansas City, Mo., on Nov. 18 after Arkansas beat Indiana 73-72.

“I had the chance to visit with him [Thursday], and he’s excited about having the opportunity to come and be recognized,” Anderson said. “That’s a big, big honor, the Hall of Fame.”

Moncrief, a Little Rock Hall standout before signing with the Razorbacks, is the first Arkansas player inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame. Former Arkansas coaches Eddie Sutton and Nolan Richardson previously were inducted.

Playing before college basketball added a shot clock and three-point basket that have increased the game’s pace, Moncrief averaged 16.9 points and 8.3 rebounds in 122 games at Arkansas. His 1,015 rebounds remain an Arkansas record, and his 2,066 points are second all-time behind Todd Day’s 2,395.

Moncrief went on to play 12 seasons in the NBA with Milwaukee and Atlanta. He was a five-time All-Star and twice was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year.