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SCC hero returns
Braves legend Marcus Timmons looking for move back home
SIKESTON -- He became a legend at Scott County Central, broke out as a star at Southern Illinois University and won championships overseas.
Now, Marcus Timmons wants to return home.
TImmons was honored during the Scott County Central-Notre Dame basketball game on Tuesday night as one of the school's most recognizable figures through his accomplishments on the basketball court.
"Coming back here just brought back so many memories," Timmons said. "It's just unbelievable how the whole school has changed. I never get a chance to get back because of work. Now, I'm back and looking around to see what all is going on around here. I'm loving it."
Timmons, who is a coach, director and physical education teacher in Melbourne, Australia, would like to be able to call home, 'home' again. He is in the looking stages of finding a coaching position that would best fit him, whether it be in the college ranks or high school.
"I'm in the transition of getting rid of as much as I can so I don't have so much to move back," Timmons said. "All I want to bring back is my family, clothes and trophies. I've really enjoyed living in Australia for the last 12 years, but now, I'm at the end of my time there. I'm ready to come back and start something here in the area."
The absolute perfect situation for Timmons would be to begin his new venture where he started his basketball career -- Scott County Central.
During his time with the Braves, Timmons, 40, was one of two players in the history of Missouri basketball to start on four state championship teams. He was Mr. Basketball for the state of Missouri in 1991 and was a first team all-state selection for three years.
He finished his high school career with a 130-3 record leading the Braves to two undefeated seasons.
Through 133 games, Timmons scored 2,514 points, grabbed 1,437 rebounds, had 398 steals and 425 assists.
"This would be the perfect spot for me, right here," Timmons added with a smile while motioning towards Ronnie Cookson Gymnasium."You have to start somewhere. This area is my roots and this is where I started from. Getting into this would be great. If the door was open, I would take it.
"But, any job where the door was open for me, I would take it. Even if it meant playing against Scott Central. But, I don't think people would like me if I do that."
After making history with Scott Central, Timmons went on to Southern Illinois University where he was the Freshman of the Year in 1992 and the 1995 Defensive Player of the Year in the Missouri Valley Conference. In 125 games during 1992-95, Timmons scored a career 1,434 points which places him 13th all-time in school history. He also finished fourth all-time with 999 rebounds and 123 blocks. Timmons played in three NCAA March Madness games with the Salukis as well.
He was inducted into the Southern Illinois Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000.
Having a deep connection with SIU, Timmons would like to catch on as an assistant coach with the Salukis for now. But, he knows just because he played there, doesn't necessarily translate into a coaching position.
"I would like to be an assistant coach in Division I, but you have to start somewhere. I'm looking to put my foot in the door in this area."
Timmons was drafted by the Yakama Sun Kings in Yakama, Washington of the Continental Basketball League in 1995 after his stint with SIU and played professionally in the Philippines, Poland and, more notably, Australia where he rose to fame.
But, wherever he ended up, Timmons never lost touch with his roots. He made sure to send former Scott Central history teacher, Dee Cookson, wife of legendary head coach Ronnie Cookson, an email telling her about his experiences and where he was.
"She would tell her students where I was," Timmons said. "I was like her son, too."
He was named the National Basketball League Grand Finals MVP in 2000 while winning his second NBL championship with the Perth Wildcats in Australia. Timmons claimed his first title with the Melbourne Tigers in 1997.
"Playing over there was different," Timmons said about Europe and Australia. "Basketball was huge when I first came over in 1996. There were a lot of guys like me, some ex-NBA players and just a lot of talent. About 2004 or 2005 though, it just dropped off."
Timmons treasures every one of his experiences in Europe and parts of Asia, but with his basketball career on the downward slope in Australia, home is calling his name.
"I wanted to see the world," Timmons said. "Basketball gave me that opportunity. I never got scared and I never was homesick. Now, I feel that way.
"Retirement is close," Timmons added. "I'm ready to come back and get into coaching somewhere."