The long-awaited split between Missouri State and Barry Hinson finally came. The inevitable finally became reality on March 9.

And on March 26, the Cuonzo Martin era began.

The 36-year-old has never been a head coach, but he's not short on experience. He played at Purdue from 1991-95 and was on the Purdue bench since 2000.

"I plan to be here for a while," Martin said at his introductory press conference.

Martin, chosen from 46 applicants, will receive a contract expected to be in line with that of Hinson -- $300,000 total compensation with a base salary of $140,000.

Hinson's dismissal came two days after Missouri State lost to Illinois State in the Missouri Valley tournament, but rumors of his departure had swirled for weeks and the specter of his job status has hung over the program for several years.

Frustration from the fan base and donors led to Hinson's demise, despite just one losing season in nine years at the Bears' helm. Missouri State averaged 18.8 wins per season under Hinson. The Bears had four postseason appearances under Hinson.

But all were NIT bids. Missouri State had NCAA Tournament near-misses in 2000, '06 and '07 -- the 2006 team had the best Ratings Percentage Index (21) of any team left out of the NCAA field. All that did was tease Missouri State's fan base -- the Hinson detractors felt he didn't have what it took to get Missouri State over the top.

The 2008 season was defined by injuries to three contributors -- Drew Richards, Shane Laurie, Spencer Laurie -- and missed opportunities. A spruced up schedule didn't help -- Missouri State lost at Arkansas and Utah and lost on a neutral floor to Purdue (two points) and Alabama. The Bears didn't get the hang of the road in the MVC either, winning just one game.

Hinson, a favorite of MVC officials and the media for his accessibility and homespun witticisms, receives $150,000 in severance as he had a year left on his contract.

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