Row 1: D. Morgan . Row 2: P. Groves, R. Bibb. K. Morgan, P. Andrepont, J. Wise, S. Barnett, N. Welch, L. Smith, C . Kee, C. Sprewell. Row 3: R. Woods, J. Greene, A. Anderson, J. Thies, J. Bynum, A. Savadogo, M. Hall, B. Sims, B. Stanley, J. Morgan. athletics senior breaks transfer scoring record "Incredible" was the word senior Lonnie "Money" Smith used to describe his career as a Bison.Though he only played twO seasons, Smith became a fan favorite as Rhodes Rowdies waved dollar bills in the air after every rhree-point shot he made. "My first year at Midnight Madness, [Headl Coach Ueff] Morgan mentioned I had made 85 out of 100 threes one (ime just shooting," Smith said. "The Rhodes Rowdies came up and told me they were going to call me 'Money' from now on." Smith, a guard from Hughes,Ark., began his career as a Bison in the fall of2004, when he transferred from the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. Since transferring, Smith became one of four players in school history to score more than 500 points in two consecu– tive seasons. H e was also third in three-pointers with 158, and has broke (he record for mOSt points scored by a junior college transfer with 1,049 points. "[Breaking the scoring record] is a big accomplishment," Smith said. "I feel good about it. It took a lot of hard work. I was just amazed and thankful that Coach Morgan gave me the opportunity to do everything I did on the court." Smith's heart and work ethic played a large role in his success on the court, Morgan said. "He c?mes out and works extremely hard," Morgan said. "He has grown up in the gym. He just loves to play, loves to compete, and that's what makes him so fun to coach and be around. He's one ofthose guys you don't worry abourwhat he brings to practice because he just comes with a great work ethic." At 5 feet 9 inches, 155 pounds, Smith had a reputation of hard work among his teammates. "He never quits, down 20 up 20, he plays a 100 miles per hour trying to win," junior guard Matt Hall said. "Every day he's Out there giving it all he's got, and that carries over to everyone else on the floor. " Smith, who averaged more than 30 minutes a game, stepped up to fill the hole left by Hall who sat our the season due to injury. Hal! said he believed playing with Smith would have been a great combination and was disappointed to miss out on Smith's last season. "He is the best teammate I've ever played with," Hall said. "His attitude towards basketball is outstanding, and that's what you want from a teammate." The Bisons finished with an overall 16-11 record and a 7-9 Gulf South Conference record. Smith planned to graduate in May 2006 with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology. After graduation Smith said he would like ro continue playing in an overseas league. Once he retires as a player, Smith hoped to become a coach. .HemherBf11Mling Driving down the court, senior guard Lonnie Smith maneuvers around a University of Alabama– Hunstville player Nov. 29 . Smith finished third in school history with 1,049 points and had 158 three-pointers in his career. ·Chelsea Roberson
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