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Vanderbilt's pep band would be wise to learn Sweet Georgia Brown by Nov. 11.
That's when the Commodores' men's basketball team tips off the 2002-03 season with an exhibition game against the Harlem Globetrotters.
No, it's not the same fancy-dribbling bunch with all the crazy antics. In 1997, after a 35-year layoff from this type of competition against collegiate teams, the Globetrotters put together a team made up predominately of former college all- stars that plays a more serious brand of basketball. This team has experienced the same type of success as Curley Neal, Meadow Lark Lemon and company.
''This team is like 57-1,'' said Vanderbilt Coach Kevin Stallings. ''Their only loss came against Michigan State [72-68] the year Michigan State won the NCAA championship. They're serious, and they're good.''
The Commodores begin practice Oct. 12 and the game with the Globetrotters, which will be played at Memorial Gym, will be the first of two exhibitions. The other will be played Nov. 15 against a team to be announced, according to Stallings.
Some of the teams the Globetrotters beat last year included Iowa, St. John's and Minnesota. Their schedule for this season is not yet official, but the Globetrotters are talking with Ohio State, Wake Forest, Temple, UNLV and Western Kentucky about possible exhibitions.
One player on the Globetrotters who SEC fans will recognize is Kareem Reid, who starred at Arkansas.
''It will be a good test for us,'' Stallings said. ''That's what you want from an exhibition game, something that will challenge your players.''
Stallings said four of his returning players in particular enjoyed good summers on the court including junior Matt Freije, Jason Holwerda, Russell Lakey and Brian Thornton, who has bulked up to 265 pounds.
The Commodores open the regular season Nov. 22 against Southeastern Louisiana. It will be the first of six consecutive home games.
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09-08-2002 05:34 PM |
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