- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Oxford Today
By the People, for the People
Wally Szczerbiak's Miami (OH) Career Highlighted by 1999 Sweet 16 Run
The NBA forward-turned-analyst first made his name in Oxford, Ohio as one of the nation's top offensive players.
Mar. 20, 2026 at 7:20am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Long before Miami (OH)'s surprise run to the NCAA Tournament in 2026, Wally Szczerbiak was the face of the RedHawks. The NBA forward-turned-analyst first made his name in Oxford, Ohio as one of the nation's top offensive players and led Miami to an unlikely Sweet 16 appearance in 1999.
Why it matters
Szczerbiak's college career at Miami (OH) is an important part of the program's history, as he helped revive the RedHawks and laid the foundation for their recent success. His standout performances, especially during the 1999 NCAA Tournament run, cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever suit up for Miami.
The details
Szczerbiak spent all four of his collegiate seasons at Miami (OH), starting out as a reserve in 1995-96 and developing into the focal point of the RedHawks by his final two seasons. His breakout came in 1997-98 when he averaged 24.4 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. As a senior in 1998-99, Szczerbiak led Miami to a 15-3 record in the MAC and a No. 10 seed in the NCAA Tournament, where the RedHawks made a surprise run to the Sweet 16 before falling to Kentucky.
- Szczerbiak was born in Spain while his father played basketball internationally, but his family was originally based in Pittsburgh before relocating to New York.
- Szczerbiak committed to Miami (OH) after a visit and was recruited by coach Herb Sendek, who currently coaches Santa Clara.
- Miami reached the NCAA Tournament in Szczerbiak's sophomore season, falling to Clemson as a No. 13 seed.
- Szczerbiak missed a portion of the 1997-98 season with a broken wrist but still averaged 24.4 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.
- Miami earned a No. 10 seed in the 1999 NCAA Tournament after going 22-7 in the regular season.
The players
Wally Szczerbiak
A former NBA forward who spent all four of his collegiate seasons at Miami (OH), emerging as one of the nation's top offensive players and leading the RedHawks to an unlikely Sweet 16 appearance in 1999.
Herb Sendek
The coach who recruited Szczerbiak to Miami (OH) and is currently the head coach at Santa Clara.
The takeaway
Wally Szczerbiak's college career at Miami (OH) is a testament to the lasting impact a star player can have on a program. His standout performances, especially during the 1999 NCAA Tournament run, cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever suit up for the RedHawks and laid the foundation for the program's recent success.
