Spring 2004 Commencement Included All Four UA Hoops Seniors
5/10/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
TUSCALOOSA - Four University of Alabama senior basketball players put a cap on their final year, literally, Monday. Antoine Pettway, Emmett Thomas, Demetrius Smith and Reggie Rambo all graduated from the University at its commencement ceremonies, Pettway in the 9 a.m. service and Smith, Rambo and Thomas in the 1 p.m. graduation ceremony. Appropriately, their last public appearance together took place on the arena floor of Coleman Coliseum where they played ball.
"I cannot emphasize how proud I am of these men," said their Crimson Tide coach Mark Gottfried who has graduated all 14 of his last 14 senior players, all within four years time. "This group of men has meant so much to this program in not only how they have represented the University of Alabama with their NCAA and Southeastern Conference successes but with how they have represented the university in the community. They are outstanding young men who have worked hard to get where they are and who will continue to work hard and continue to be successes at whatever endeavors they seek."
Pettway's diploma is in health care management and he not only already has a job but has been on it for the past week, as soon as he finished his final exams. Pettway is playing for the Kentucky Reach in the World Basketball Association. Based in Elizabethtown, Ky., his head coach is former Tide and NBA player Jim Farmer. Smith and Rambo received their degrees in criminal justice. Thomas, who graduated in general studies, says he will return to school for a graduate degree and a career in retail. All three are finalizing career plans, each weighing a couple of options, doors opened thanks to their academic and athletic success, as they step out into the world.
