Aug. 9, 2001
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Barring any unforeseen travel difficulties, the final roster for the “True Champions” game was released on Thursday and features six former UK All-Americans among the 28 players participating.
The game, which tips off at 7 p.m. at Rupp Arena, will benefit the UK Basketball Museum and the Derek Anderson Foundation. Two years ago, 16,000 fans showed up for “The Game,” which pitted members of the ’98 NCAA Championship squad against the ’96 title holders. The contest ended in a 132-132 tie.
Thus far, only 3,100 tickets have been sold for this latest installment which also features former Cats from other eras. Those interested in attending the game, which christens the new Rupp Arena floor, should call the Rupp Arena box office at 859-233-3535. Tickets are $19.50 and $14.50.
The White squad will include three members of the 1996 NCAA Championship team as well as the 1978 Final Four MVP Jack Givens. Derek Anderson, Tony Delk and Ron Mercer — all current NBA stars — will team with Travis Ford, the head basketball coach at Eastern Kentucky to take on the Blue team led by fan favorite Richie Farmer.
The “King” of Manchester will have Jamal Mashburn, Nazr Mohammed, Rex Chapman and Kenny Walker, among others, to counter the White’s talent. The teams will be coached by Tubby Smith and Dan Issel.
An auction of select pieces of the old Rupp Arena floor will take place at the Lexington Civic Center at 4:30 p.m. Tickets to the auction are $50 and include two game tickets and a private viewing of the new floor prior to game time.
For more information on tickets or the auction, contact the UK Basketball Museum at 859-225-5670.
True Champions Roster
White — Derek Anderson, Scott Padgett, Tony Delk, Jamaal Magloire, Ron Mercer, Travis Ford, Jared Prickett, Saul Smith, Heshimu Evans, Jack Givens, Chris Gettlefinger, Steve Masiello, Joey Holland and Jeff Brassow.
Blue — Richie Farmer, Jamal Mashburn, Nazr Mohammed, Walter McCarty, Rex Chapman, Sean Woods, Dale Brown, Kenny Walker, Chris Harrison, Todd Svoboda, Henry Thomas, Tom Heitz, Gary Gamble and Deron Feldhaus.
