Portland, ME- The USCAA tonight honored and celebrated the selection of its 2022 hall of fame class. Patrick Dempsey, a 2005 graduate and men's basketball player at CM, was honored as the first (and only) men's basketball player to be enshrined into the hall. The celebration, held at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland, was a star-studded affair with some of the most prominent names in USCAA history being recognized.
In his nomination to the association his coach at the time (and still CM AD and coach) Dave Gonyea wrote the following:
It is my privilege to nominate Patrick Dempsey for entry into the USCAA Hall of Fame.
Patrick played basketball at Central Maine Community College for four years and was named NSCAA and USCAA All-American three of those years. In fact, the only reason he wasn't named his first year was due to his ineligibility his first year, second semester. For three of those four years, he led the NSCAA/USCAA in assists and holds the college record with an amazing 1307 assists and registered 1096 points in his time at CM. Recognizing his defense, Patrick is seventh on the CM all-time list recording 175 steals. He was also recognized a Yankee All Conference player each year.
However, his major contribution came off the court. He was a leader in all aspects, not only of the game, but managing people. Patrick was the go-to guy for Coach Gonyea and four-year captain. He dedication and commitment to CM was unapparelled. He simply didn't just play basketball, but lived on the campus each summer working on his game and managing basketball camps for the college athletic program. He was simply all in.
According to Head Men's Basketball Coach Dave Gonyea, "Patrick epitomized what it took to get better on the court and watching him grow and develop into a leader off the court was most gratifying. Our team never walked into a gym on the road without Patrick literally leading the way. He was the face of the program, and probably the most exciting player I have ever coached in my 28 years. I loved him like a son in 2001 and my feelings have not changed today. His impact is long lasting and players today all know who he is and what he represented. He is very deserving of this honor."
