TicketsApril 19, 2013
Three former University of Cincinnati men's basketball players begin play in the NBA Playoffs this weekend. Kenyon Martin and James White with the New York Knicks battle the Boston Celtics beginning Saturday and Lance Stephenson's Indiana Pacers take on the Atlanta Hawks starting Sunday.
The first game of the Knicks-Celtics series airs on ABC on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. while game one of the Pacers-Hawks series tips off on TNT on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Martin joined the Knicks in late February and is averaging 7.2 points and 5.3 rebounds in 23.9 minutes with 11 starts in 18 games played. He has missed the last eight games due to injury. The 13-year NBA veteran is looking to prove he still belongs (Newsday article).
White has 16 starts in 57 games played for the Knicks this season averaging 2.2 points in 7.6 minutes.
NY Knicks-Boston Series Schedule
Game 1: at NY, Sat., April 20, 3:30 p.m., ABC
Game 2: at NY, Tue., April 23, 8:00 p.m., TNT
Game 3: at BOS, Fri., April 26, 8:00 p.m., ESPN
Game 4: at BOS, Sun., April 28, 1:00 p.m., ABC
Game 5: at NY, Wed., May 1, TBD*
Game 6: at BOS, Fri., May 3, TBD*
Game 7: at NY, Sun., May 5, TBD*
* - if necessary
Stephenson's third year in the NBA has seen the New York native average 8.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 29.2 minutes. He has started 72 of his 78 games. He could be an X-factor for the Pacers according to the team's website (NBA.com story).
Indiana-Atlanta Series Schedule
Game 1: at IND, Sun., April 21, 1:00 p.m., TNT
Game 2: at IND, Wed., April 24, 7:30 p.m., NBA TV
Game 3: at ATL, Sat., April 27, 7:00 p.m., ESPN
Game 4: at ATL, Mon., April 29, TBD*
Game 5: at IND, Wed., May 1, TBD*
Game 6: at ATL, Fri., May 3, TBD*
Game 7: at IND, Sun., May 5, TBD*
* - if necessary
One of three former players to have his jersey retired at UC, Martin played four seasons with the Bearcats (1997-2000). He still owns the school records for blocks (292) and field-goal shooting percentage (.586). Martin ranks 25th on the school's all-time scoring list with 1,279 points. The New Jersey Nets selected Martin first overall in the 2000 NBA Draft.
White played three seasons for the Bearcats (2004-06) and ranks 40th on UC's all-time scoring list with 1,088 points. He led UC scoring (16.3 points) and field-goal shooting percentage (48.8 percent) during the 2005-06 campaign. He was drafted by Portland in the second round (31st overall) of the 2006 draft.
Stephenson led the Bearcats, averaging 12.3 points during the 2009-10 season - his lone year with UC. He was chosen by Indiana 40th overall in the second round of the 2010 draft.