Alaska men’s basketball to take on alumni

Submitted by Tom Myrick
Phone: 907-474-6805
10/26/07

The Alaska Nanooks men’s basketball team will renew a rivalry as old as the Patty Center itself when they take on a University of Alaska Fairbanks alumni team in an exhibition at the Patty Center gym on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 2 p.m. The game will be the first real test of Clemon Johnson’s men, as they meet a full squad of classic UAF players, captained by former Nanook Darryl Lewis.

In addition to the game itself, four UAF greats will be honored in a pregame ceremony. Among those being honored are Bill Watterson, Milo Griffin, Bart LeBon and Joe Tremarello. Watterson, who played for the Nanooks from 1961-1963, will also participate in the game: the first time he has suited up for the Blue and Gold in over 40 years. Griffin, who is second in Nanook history for career points scored and is the only player to have his jersey retired, will take the floor for the alumni team as well. LeBon (a Nanook from 1972-1974) and Tremarello (who played in 1955-58 and coached the UAF women from 1990-94) will serve as guest coaches for the event.

Watterson and Tremarello also hold the distinction of having played in the first official game ever held in the Patty Center gym, playing on an alumni team that took on the 1963-64 Nanooks to christen the court. The Nanooks won that meeting, 85-70, despite a game-high 28 point performance from Watterson.

"I am excited to have the opportunity to meet the former players, and let them know that I am here to maintain the standards they have set over the years," said head coach Clemon Johnson. "I have been totally impressed that so many players are willing to come back and continue to be a part of Nanook basketball: it really shows the pride that has been established in this program."

Other UAF alumni expected to play in the game include the Nanooks’ 10th all-time leading scorer, Mike Hajdukovich, and former teammate Kevin McHenry (1990-1994), as well as recent graduates Devin Dawkins (1998-2000), Tim Church (1996-2000) and Justin Bourne (2002-2006).

"It will be a good opportunity to measure the team against quality opposition," said Johnson. "I know these guys won’t be just coming by to say ’Hello’: they are coming here to win. I think it will be a measuring stick to let us know where we are, and I am looking forward to an exciting game."

Tickets for the game will be free, but fans are encouraged to bring an item to donate to the Fairbanks Rescue Mission. Among the items in need at the Rescue Mission include laundry detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, 50-gallon trash bags, copy paper, Scotch tape, and any personal hygiene items.

The game will be the last friendly contest for the current Nanooks before their season begins in earnest against Simpson College on Nov. 1. Tickets for that game are currently on sale at the Patty Center box office, with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m.