clarinews@clarinet.com (JOE DiGIOVANNI) (01/17/90)
MILWAUKEE (UPI) -- After shining for 10 seasons as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks, Sidney Moncrief Tuesday night took the spotlight on the basketball court a final time. Moncrief's No. 4 jersey was retired by the Bucks in ceremonies before the team's game with the Golden State Warriors. A slew of family members and former teammates attended as Moncrief walked onto the Bradley Center court, receiving a nearly 5 minute ovation from fans. ``Of course, tonight is a very special night for me and my family,'' Moncrief told the standing crowd. ``I had a speech written out but in times like this I cannot express my appreciation to the fans.'' Moncrief, decked in a black tuxedo and bow tie, thanked everyone in attendance -- including former coaches Eddie Sutton, Don Nelson and Del Harris. ``Thank you for taking a player with no ability and making him into a great professional player,'' said Moncrief, named an all-NBA player in 1983 and a second-team star three. He also thanked the fans. ``I think your support and your compassion was the difference between me playing four years and playing 10 years,'' he said. Nelson, who coached the Bucks during Moncrief's first eight NBA seasons and now coaches the Warriors, had special praise for the former guard. ``Sidney Moncrief is the greatest player I've ever coached,'' Nelson said. ``He's not the most talented I've ever coached but he's the greatest player. He's the greatest human being I've ever coached.'' Sutton, Moncrief's coach at Arkansas, cited his former player's behavior off the court. ``He's a role model for his teammates,'' Sutton said. ``I think he's a credit to the human race.'' Many from around the NBA sent notes of congratulation, including Commissioner David Stern. ``The fine play and leadership you provided for the Bucks and your significant community and charitable work, both in Milwaukee and in your home state of Arkansas, made you a valuable member of the NBA community and the type of athlete youngsters could properly look to as a role model,'' Stern wrote. Moncrief, who retired during the summer after the Bucks chose not to re-sign him and no other team offered him a contract, was showered with gifts. He was given a sculpture, a portrait, a lap-top computer, golf clubs, a $2,000 annual scholarship in his name, $4,000 was donated to the Boys Scouts and it was proclaimed ``Sidney Moncrief Day in Milwaukee'' Tuesday. Moncrief was the sixth Bucks player to have his jersey retired. The others were Oscar Robertson (1), Jon McGlocklin (14), Bob Lanier (16), Brian Winters (32) and Junior Bridgeman (2).