UC head coach Cronin returns to Fifth Third Arena for Senior Day ceremony
CINCINNATI -- Mick Cronin hadn't been in front of a crowd at Fifth Third Arena since Dec. 17 but the University of Cincinnati head coach was at center court Sunday as forward Jermaine Sanders was honored on Senior Day prior to UC's regular season finale against Memphis.
Cronin was diagnosed with an arterial dissection and has been ordered by his doctors to stay away from coaching during practices and games. He has watched games on TV or listened on radio as associate head coach Larry Davis has taken over the direct running of the team. Cronin, in his ninth season as UC's head coach, still helps with scouting, game review and recruiting.
UC is 21-9 this season, including 14-7 under Davis, heading into Sunday's game.
Sanders is the lone senior on this season's team. Cronin was allowed to join the ceremony before leaving the arena before tip-off. He was welcomed by a standing ovation as he walked out onto the court and then addressed the crowd.
"I want to thank everybody for your support this year for our team," said Cronin. "A program is only as big as its student support, its fans and its former players. We have all three and that's why the program is bigger than any one person. I'm lucky to be a part of it. Keep fighting for these guys. We've got a long way to go this year."
