Gator Greats show their stuff at alumni game

Published July 1st, 2008

By Mario Sarmento
SPORTS EDITOR

Some of them might have been a step slower and others might have been past their athletic primes, but the 2000-2001 Florida Gators showed the 2006-2007 edition that they can still play basketball.

The Gators “Orange” team, coached by former player Udonis Haslem, ran away with a 125-114 win over the “Blue” team that was coached by Joakim Noah in the Gator Greats Alumni Inaugural Charity Basketball Game at FAU Arena Saturday.
Anthony Roberson led all scorers with 46 points, and Eddie Shannon pumped in 35 for the Orange team.
The game was organized by former Florida star Major Parker, who played on the Orange team. Parker conducts basketball clinics for i9 Sports of Palm Beach County, and the two parties worked together to bring the game to FAU.
Proceeds from the event went to a variety of charities, from the Udonis Haslem Children’s Foundation to Boca Raton Youth Athletic Association to Youth Empowerment.

“We’re always looking to do things in the community,” i9 Sports Director Mindy Cannova said. “This is a great event to raise money for the different charities.”

The 800 Gators fans who watched the game got more than basketball, as Haslem, Taurean Green and Noah all signed autographs before the game started.

This being a non-sanctioned NBA event, none of the three current league players could participate, which put a damper on the event for them.

“I definitely wanted to play so we could settle it that we were the better team,” said Green, who played for the Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets in his rookie season. “It’s just fun seeing the guys.”
Green, Haslem and Noah each had up-and-down seasons.

After missing just 13 games in his six-year NBA career, Haslem played in only 48 games last year due to an injured ankle that required surgery. And the Miami Heat’s fortunes fell along with him, to 15-67 and the worst record in the NBA.
However, after offseason surgery and the recent acquisition of No. 2 pick Michael Beasley, Haslem is excited about the upcoming season.

“Everything worked out fine and we got the best player available,” he said. “I’m just looking forward to getting back on the court.”

Green, one of the celebrated “Oh-Fours” from Billy Donovan’s 2004 recruiting class that went on to win back-to-back championships, was drafted by Portland and didn’t see much playing time. He was then traded in midseason to Denver, where he got to play with Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony.

“It was a logjam in Portland with all the point guards we had,” he said. “We had five point guards. I appreciate everything Portland did for me, but I want to play. And Denver is a better opportunity for me to actually play.”
Noah was taken fourth overall by the Chicago Bulls in last year’s draft, but he was suspended one game for arguing with an assistant coach and last month was arrested and charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana and having an open container of alcohol in Gainesville.

“I feel like I learned a lot,” he said. “A lot of different experiences, highs and lows. But I feel like I experienced a lot this year and it’s definitely going to help me in the future, so I’m really excited about next year.”
Part of that excitement stems from the Bulls taking Memphis point guard Derrick Rose with the No. 1 overall pick last week, and incoming head coach Vinny Del Negro.

“I think he’s very explosive and he’s a playmaker,” Noah said of Rose. “His abilities on the court speak for themselves. I feel like we were definitely lucky to get the pick, and I hope it works out for us.”
Prior to the game, the Boca Hoops All-Stars took on the Fort Lauderdale All-Stars in two basketball games.