LEXINGTON, Ky. — The basketball shoes worn by Kentucky head coach Billy Gillispie during last Saturday?s 63-58 win at Georgia are being auctioned off, with the proceeds benefiting UK?s Markey Cancer Center.

As part of the National Association of Basketball Coaches? annual campaign to promote Coaches vs. Cancer, coaches across the country wore basketball footwear instead of dress shoes during last weekend?s action.

The Nike Air Force Ones worn by Gillispie will be autographed by the coach and team and awarded to the highest bidder.

?It?s great to make people aware that cancer is an opponent we all face, but it?s more important to follow that up with action,? Gillispie said. ?The money raised by these shoes, however great or small, will benefit the Markey Cancer Center, which is a great resource for our university and the people of Kentucky.?

Beginning Wednesday, bids will be accepted online at , with bidding ending Feb. 18.

The Markey Cancer Center is a premier cancer research and patient care facility that utilizes the resources of 28 departments, 8 colleges and 150 faculty throughout UK HealthCare to further the prevention, treatment and cure of cancer.