[desertrat]

There was a reunion of the 1997 NCAA Championship team in Tucson this week with some pick up games at the Arena, a party at Lute's house, and a banquet dinner at the Westin La Paloma. All but 2 members of the 1997 team made the trip as well as many other former Arizona stars. On Sunday, they had a exhibition game featuring the members of the 1997 team and various other Arizona alumni. Among those that played were 1997 Final 4 MVP Miles Simon, Jason Terry, AJ Bramlett, Gilbert Arenas, Sean Elliott, Steve Kerr, Reggie Geary, Kahlid Reeves, Damon Stoudamire, Salim Stoudamire, Hassan Adams, Bob Elliott, Eugene Edgerson, Bennett Davison, and last but definitely not least, Richard Jefferson. I was lucky enough to be able to attend this event and it was really a great time, the players all joking with each other and clowning around with some intense one-on-ones between Jason Terry and Gilbert Arenas. Steve Kerr showed that he is still the master when it comes to hitting the 3 and Miles Simon also played extremely well. The biggest scorers were Jason Terry with 30 points and Gilbert Arenas with 25. Simon scored 24 and Edgerson had the only double-double of the game with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Edgerson is currently a member of the Harlem Globetrotters, Steve Kerr is the GM of the Phoenix Suns, Miles Simon is an assistant coach for Arizona.

Richard Jefferson donated $3.5 million to help build new practice facilities. He also challenged Gilbert Arenas to match it once he signs his new multi million dollar contract. There were several big name recruits in town that participated in some pick up games on thursday and friday, and then got to watch the exhibition featuring the old time greats. With some luck, we may have convinced a few of those recruits to become Wildcats!