Next is our series of stories on what inductees to the 2024 Winthrop Athletics Hall of Fame have been doing since leaving school we catch up with Heson Groves, a key member of Winthrop's 1998-98 men's basketball team that became the first team in school history to play in the NCAA Basketball Tournament. The ceremony will be held Jan, 12, 2024 in the Richardson Ballroom, DiGiorgio Campus Center.

Today we catch up with Heson Groves a key member of Winthrop's 1998-98 men's basketball team that became the first team in school history to play in the NCAA Basketball Tournament.  

Standing 6-foot-7, Heson Groves strikes an imposing figure, especially for a CT Scan technician.  

But that's exactly what the former Winthrop basketball standout and one of the driving forces behind the Eagles' first trip to the NCAA Tournament is up to these days.  

After graduating from Winthrop with a degree in business management, Heson played three years of international basketball before deciding to serve his country. He enlisted in the Navy and spent eight years as a Naval Hospital Corpsman.  

After retiring from the military Heson enrolled and Virginia Commonwealth University where he studied clinical radiation science. He and his wife Tamara live in Richmond, Va., and have three children, Skylar, Michael Jr., and Silver. 

Heson, who signed with Winthrop in 1995, saw his share of losses in the three seasons prior to Coach Gregg Marshall's arrival in 1998. In his first three seasons the Eagles won 26 and lost 54.  

"I never expected something like that happening," Heson recalled.  

So he didn't know what to expect from Marshall. It didn't take too many practices for him to learn. 

"I knew we'd be in better shape than the teams we played and be ]aser focused," he said. "I felt like we'd just out last everybody."  

Heson blossomed under the new system, especially after 6-9 center Eyo Effiong arrived from Nigeria in late December, 1998. His presence allowed Heson to move back to his natural forward position. He had the finest season, leading the Eagles in scoring (12.3) and rebounds. His inspired play earned him a spot on the All Big South Conference first team.  

But he saved his best for the BSC Tournament. He was named tournament MVP after scoring 31 points and grabbing 28 rebounds in wins over Charleston Southern and Radford. A career-high 19 rebounds came in the championship game.  

Heson was the most shocked person in the Asheville (NC) Civic Center.  

"I wasn't one to keep track of my of points and rebounds," Heson said. "I couldn't believe it when I found out I had 19 rebounds. Then to hear my named called as MVP.  

"To do that in front of family and friends was something. I really thought Tyson (Waterman) would win it." 

As far as the NCAA tournament, Heson still has fond memories even though the 16^th-seeded Eagles lost to No. 1 Auburn 80-41.  

"Considering where we had been, just getting there capped a wonderful year," he said.