After having stellar basketball careers at Ohio University, Dave Jamerson, Walter Luckett and Frank Baumholtz all have their names and jerseys honored in the rafters of the Convocation Center.
Gary Trent was on track to best all of their figures in the Bobcats’ record books when, after three seasons, he left for the 1995 NBA Draft — in which he became the highest-drafted Bobcat in program history.
With the exception of Jamerson, Trent has better scoring and rebounding statistics than any other player whose jersey hangs in the rafters. Had he returned for his senior season, Trent was on track to pass Jamerson to become Ohio’s career leader in points, rebounds and field goals.
Despite the lofty heights he reached on the court, Trent’s No. 20 jersey is not hanging high above the hardwood.
Ohio Athletics requires student athletes to meet four criteria in order to have their jerseys retired.
The player must have nationally recognized athletic, coaching or administrative ability. He or she must have gained an athletic achievement — as an Ohio University student or as an alumnus — that has brought considerable fame to the university as well as to himself or herself.
The student-athlete must have attended OU for at least two years or have been a member of the athletic staff for at least five years. Finally, he or she must have received a bachelor’s degree from OU or completed and received a bachelor’s degree from another institution.
One piece of paper kept the power forward once known as the “Shaq of the MAC” from joining the three former Bobcat players and one coach whose names and jerseys are honored at The Convo. Almost 15 years after leaving Athens, Trent had yet to complete his degree.
“I never felt bitter,” he said. “I’ve done things in the Mid-American Conference that other athletes dream of. I handcuffed the university from moving forward with that process.”
But those cuffs are finally off.
Trent, now 37, finished a bachelor’s degree in business management in 2010 through the University of Phoenix. The majority of the credits he earned during his time at Ohio were transferable, and he also took some community college classes en route to completing his education.
“I am in full support of this movement,” he said about the possibility of being honored. “If it happens, I will be excited. If it doesn’t, I won’t be bitter.”
The athletics department has acknowledged Trent is now eligible for consideration for the Bobcat hall of fame but notes his inclusion is no sure thing.
“Gary Trent has completed his degree requirements and is now eligible to have his jersey number honored,” the department said in a statement. “However the decision regarding the university honoring his number is on-going.”
But the man who coached Trent during his time at OU thinks the decision should be an easy one.
“I can’t speak for the university, but he certainly should be in the hall of fame when they deem it’s appropriate,” said former Ohio basketball coach Larry Hunter, who led the Bobcats from 1989 to 2001.
“Gary was a heck of a physical specimen — great hands … could just dominate,” Hunter said. “He is one of the all-time greats at Ohio and in the MAC.”
And Trent’s three seasons in Athens left him with the stat sheet to back Hunter’s praise.
As a Bobcat, Trent ranks third on the all-time scoring list with 2,108 points and is third in career rebounds with 1,050. Trent was a three-time MAC Player of the Year, earning the honor each of his three seasons in Athens.
Those three years were all the pro scouts needed to see.
In the 1995 NBA Draft, Trent was selected 11th by the Milwaukee Bucks, who traded his rights to the Portland Trail Blazers.
After two seasons with Portland, Trent became a journeyman in the NBA and played for three more teams during his 10-year NBA career before playing in Europe and eventually retiring in 2007.
In comparison, Trent had a longer professional career than those of every former Bobcat whose jersey is retired — combined.
Trent, who played with Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash and Kevin Garnett, said playing alongside top-tier players was inspiring.
“Playing with hall of famers gives you a different point of view,” he said. “You look up to the intensity, desire and focus (that they play with).”
Trent’s most memorable moment in the NBA came as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves, a team that made it to the 2004 Western Conference Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers.
But even at the height of his NBA career, Trent kept up the relationships he fostered in Athens. Hunter was one of the people he texted after receiving his diploma.
“Gary and I keep in touch,” Hunter said. “He was excited about his diploma, and I was excited for him.”
Now that Trent’s jersey can be honored, that adds his name into the hall-of-fame discussion. The list of candidates will be presented to a committee comprising current athletic administrators, current coaches, former players and athletic donors.
Baumholtz’s number was honored in 1995 during Trent’s final season in Athens. Luckett, Jamerson and former coach Jim Snyder were honored in 2007, the 100th season of Ohio basketball. Because Bobcats have only been recognized in this manner twice, it is unclear when Trent’s name will be discussed or what other candidates could be honored.
With his stint in the NBA finished and his degree competed, Trent has held various jobs, including working in player development with NBA and college teams.
But nowadays, the players with whom Trent interacts have shoe sizes significantly smaller than those he laced up with during his playing days.
Trent is an assistant principal and cultural intervention specialist at Dayton’s Bluff Achievement Plus Elementary School in St. Paul, Minn.
Meanwhile, he also coaches his seventh-grade son, Gary Trent Jr., who plays in a league with players two years older than him. Trent boasts a coaching record of 74-5. Under his leadership, Trent Jr.’s AAU team, the Indy Hoosiers, has won back-to-back national championships.
But someday, Trent hopes to move up in the coaching ranks to mentor students at the collegiate level. He said it’s exciting to take an athlete and turn him into developed player and added that he would have the chance to help shape college athletes, whereas professional basketball players require less teaching.
“I know that some schools require the degree (in business management) and others do not,” Trent said about the possibility of coaching college basketball someday.
“I want every opportunity open to me.”
nr225008@ohiou.edu
