Junior guard Hassan Adams didn't want to be hounded during the 22nd annual Lame for a Game last night. The question everyone wanted to know was not answered.
"I'm not going to talk about it," Adams said on whether or not he will come back for his senior season. He did, however, say that his family would play the biggest role in the decision. He may not have quenched anyone's desire to know his draft status, but he did put on a show for the fans.
Adams used more than the allowed three frustration dunks, throwing down a few windmill dunks and a 360-degree left handed jam, while also making a 3-pointer sitting in his wheelchair.
To top it off, Adams had the highlight of the night when he picked up Kacey McCallister of the Wildchairs and ran down the court with him. McCallister, who was playing in his first Lame for a Game took a few attempts before knocking down a layup, and Adams ran back down the court with him as the fans applauded.
"He set it up," Adams said of the play. "I picked him and just went with it."
McCallister said he enjoyed being out there and although he doesn't watch much television, it was neat to be on the floor with the Wildcat players.
"I had a lot of fun," McCallister said. "I went over to him and said, 'Hey pick me up and take me down the court.'"
As for the actual game, the blue team beat the white team 76-67.
Unlike previous years, the teams were split evenly with Wildcat and Wildchair players. The reason, according to Wildchair head coach Derek Brown, was to showcase each team and have more integration with the Wildcats.
"We like to see both communities come together," he said.
The blue team, which consisted of Adams, Chris Rodgers, Shawntinice Polk, Daniel Dillon, Isaiah Fox, Natalie Jones and Che Oh, along with half of the Wildchair team, led throughout.
At halftime, they were up by two, 18-16, before each team was awarded 20 halftime points.
During many breaks in the action, players threw out autographed miniature basketballs and T-shirts. They also signed autographs for many of the fans in attendance.
"The community comes out and supports us, it's good for us to come out and help," Polk said. "This game is really fun."
Playing for the white team was Ivan Radenovic, Mustafa Shakur, Jawann McClellan, Jesus Verdejo, Kirk Walters, Matt Brase, Mohamed Tangara, Katrina Lindner and the rest of the Wildchairs.
Down 76-67, the white team had a chance to win with a 10-point half court shot, but their attempt missed, and Brase's follow wouldn't have beat the shot clock.
More important than the score to the players, was the interaction between the two teams.
"I have a lot of respect for people who are unfortunate and who are in wheelchairs," McClellan said. "It seemed like we brightened their day just by them being out here and competing with us."
McClellan, who played in his first Lame for a Game, said it was tougher than he expected. Polk completely agreed with McClellan's assessment.
"It's definitely challenging, and we learn from them," she said. "It's real hard. Your arms get tired and you can't reach the basket."
The event was important for the Wildchairs in terms of disability awareness.
"We're not really being competitive out here, but it's good for the community to at least see it and have that awareness of what our program has to offer," Brown said.
Senior center Channing Frye did not participate because he was attending an event in Phoenix, and senior guard Salim Stoudamire arrived at halftime and took several 10-point shots in street clothes before departing.
The other Wildcat players who participated acknowledged that holding events like this was important to them and the community.
"It was especially fun to see the people come out," Verdejo said.