Fenwick alum Corey Maggette previously received one special honor from the school, having his #50 basketball jersey number retired in 2008. On April 24 during the 73rd annual Blackfriars Gala, the 1998 graduate Fenwick bestowed another one: induction to the Hall of Fame, which honors those alumni who have made a profound impact on society through their high levels of success in their careers.
Maggette was one of two inductees, the other being 1976 alum John C. Barron, who spent 40 years in journalism, 17 with the Chicago Sun-Times in various roles, including publisher and editor-in-chief.
Also at the gala, Janice Pyrce, mother of 2015 Fenwick alum Jonathan and a life trustee, received the Lumen Tranquillum Award, which is presented each year to a member of the community for work in helping children and young adults with their lives.
In a speech to the Fenwick students, faculty, and staff at the school auditorium, Maggette expressed his appreciation and gratitude for his induction.
“When I look at being back here at this school and I remember getting my jersey retired, what a great honor then,” he said. “But this is even more impactful.”
In 1997-98, his senior season, Maggette helped lead the Friars to the IHSA Class AA state quarterfinals, the school’s first downstate appearance. He averaged 23 points and 10 rebounds per game that year and amassed 2,450 points and over 1,000 rebounds in his four-year varsity career. Maggette was named to the Parade All-American Team three times and was a McDonald’s All-American in 1998.
Upon graduation, he spent one season with Duke University before declaring for the 1999 NBA Draft. He was a first-round pick, selected 13th overall by the Seattle SuperSonics, who promptly traded him to the Orlando Magic. In all, Maggette played 14 years in the NBA with six teams: Magic (1999-2000), Los Angeles Clippers (2000-2008), Golden State Warriors (2008-2010), Milwaukee Bucks (2010-2011), Charlotte Bobcats (2011-2012), and Detroit Pistons (2012-2013). He scored 13,198 career points and averaged 16 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.
Following his playing career, Maggette became a color commentator for the Clippers’ television broadcasts and also served color commentary for Fox Sports One’s college basketball broadcasts. Moreover, he has conducted the Flight 50 Basketball Camp over the years and in 2006, he created the Corey Cares Foundation, which aids with less-privileged youth to reach their life goals.
In a 2018 interview with Wednesday Journal, Maggette fondly described how his Fenwick days shaped his future.
“Fenwick really gave me an opportunity for diversity,” he said. “Coming from a predominantly African-American community (Bellwood), Fenwick really opened my eyes. It gave me a chance to intermingle and learn how to co-exist.
“I could have made a lot of decisions, not go to Fenwick, but this was the road. The road to Fenwick was able to get me to the NBA, to a successful career, and most of all to my family (wife Milargo Martinez along with five children).
It’s been such a blessing, I really tip my cap to Fenwick.”