Spartan Great Idris Mays Inducted To SSC Hall of Fame

INDIATLANTIC, Fla. - University of Tampa alumni and former men's basketball standout Idris Mays was among the eight former student-athletes named to the Sunshine State Conference Hall of Fame Class of 2010-11.

The group was inducted into the Hall of Fame on Friday in a ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Melbourne Oceanfront. UT athletic director Larry Marfise presented Mays with his plaque prior to a speech by the newest Spartan Hall of Famer.

Mays, who played for UT from 1991-95, was a member of three NCAA tournament teams in his four-year career, totaling 1,625 points while starting all but three contests during his time with the Spartans. Named SSC Player of the Year in 1995, he was a two-time first-team all-SSC honoree. Additionally, Mays earned a spot on the SSC all-freshman team and was a three-time all-SSC Tournament selection. In 1995, he was tabbed the tournament's Most Valuable Player. Mays ranks in the program's top ten in a number of career statistical categories, including field goals made (618), free throws made (389), and rebounds (812).

Members of the Class of 2010-11 are: Fernanda Brino (Barry volleyball), Wanda Graham (Florida Southern softball), Monika Mastalirova (Lynn women's tennis), Mays (Tampa men's basketball), Steve Paramore (Florida Southern men's golf), Chris Payne (Florida Tech men's soccer), Dwight Walton (Florida Tech men's basketball), and Lucresia West (Florida Southern women's basketball).

This year's inductees represent the 19th class to be selected to the SSC Hall of Fame. A total of 162 student-athletes, coaches, and administrators have previously been inducted into the hall since the inaugural class of 1991-92.
Tampa now has a total of 30 individuals in the SSC Hall of Fame, including at least one from each of the past 17 classes. Mays becomes the third Spartan men's basketball player to join the group, which also includes DeCarlo Deveaux and Bryan Williams.

The Sunshine State Conference Hall of Fame was founded in 1991 to honor those persons who have made outstanding contributions to the conference. Its purpose is to perpetuate the memory of those who brought distinction, honor, and excellence to the SSC.