By Nick Eatman

Just a week ago, the University of Arkansas honored the 1994 national championship team, the first time legendary head coach Nolan Richardson was back on campus in seven years.

The reunion included a collection of All-Americans and NBA players. Corliss Williamson, Scotty Thurman, Corey Beck and Clint McDaniel made it back, along with former coaches, trainers and equipment managers.

But missing from the celebration was the team's ball boy. That's because he was busy helping Midwestern State claim a Lone Star Conference regular-season championship.

 Nolan Richardson IV, the grandson of the famous coach, is making a name for himself as well. The LSC South Division Player of the Year, Richardson has basketball in his genes. Not only was his grandfather a great collegiate coach, but he is the nephew of Lee Mayberry, a six-year NBA veteran who earned All-American honors for Richardson at Arkansas.

Both Coach Richardson and Mayberry were in attendance Saturday to watch Nolan IV score 25 points to lead MSU into the finals with a 14-point win over Texas A&M-Kingsville.

 "He was a ball boy for that '94 national championship," the elder Richardson said. "I have a picture that I will give to him with President Bill Clinton hugging him. He is a tremendous shooter. His uncle, Lee Mayberry also played for me. But I always thought he had a chance to be really good player."

Richardson's mother is Mayberry's sister. Mayberry, a former first-round draft pick of the Bucks in 1992, said he always knew "little Nolan" would be special.

"This kid grew up with a basketball in his hands," Mayberry said. "He was always around shooting the ball at our games and in the driveway. He's really smooth and has a great touch. He's fun to watch. I really enjoyed watching him out there."

Richardson IV said he wasn't too nervous with his talented family members in attendance.

"I tried not to think about it," he said. "They've watched me a few times before. I'm glad they're here. It means a lot to me. But when I'm out there on the floor, all I think about is trying to win the game and play the best we can."

Richardson said he's learned a lot over the years, just by his front-row seat at the Arkansas games. He also said Mayberry has given up plenty of coaching over the years, too.

"I used to come to Tulsa a lot in the summers and we would play all the time," Richardson said, referring to his high school days. "Lee was a real, smooth player. I always liked his game. He taught me a lot. I learned to stay under control and try to read the defenses before they read me."

Richardson said his greatest thrills, though, were around the bench area for those Arkansas teams that featured many great players and even greater accomplishments.

"Going to the national championship game, it was mind-blowing," he said. "I got to be there, be on the floor and even take a picture with the president. It makes you want to work on your game and work harder to improve your game."

Obviously, that mindset has paid off. In just two seasons at MSU, Richardson is one of the best players in school history, eclipsing the 1,000-point mark here in this tournament.

This season, Richardson led the Mustangs in scoring in 24 of 29 games, including 12 of 14 games against LSC South opponents. Richardson scored more than 30 points five different times this year, with a career-high of 35 points in a convincing win over Angelo State. Richardson had a streak of eight streak games with at least 20 points.

"He can fill it up," Mayberry said. "He's always had a great shot. And he's a good free throw shooter. So he finds ways to score. That's all he's ever done."