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By gosalukis.webs.com

Have you ever wondered what would happen if Saluki great Jamaal Tatum went head-to-head with a current star like Kevin Dillard? What about Tony Young versus Ryan Hare? Or do you ever wonder if former Salukis still have game?

Well, those lucky enough to stay around after Tatum’s basketball clinic got these questions answered. Several of the former Salukis who were helping out with the clinic suited up for a pickup game against the current squad of Salukis.

Young, Tatum and Sylvester Willis, along with Stetson Hairston and C.J. Smith, faced the likes of Anthony Booker, Dillard, Hare, Tony Freeman, Carlton Fay and Nick Evans on Saturday, May 2,  at the SIU Rec Center. Darren Brooks was in attendance but did not play due to a knee injury. Justin Bocot, Bryan Mullins, Wesley Clemmons and Dion Coopwood were also present but did not play.

“(Playing with my old teammates) was great for me because I haven't played ball with them for years,” said Hairston, a 2005 graduate who was a part of four NCAA tournament teams during his career as a Saluki.

For the older guys, it was a chance to not only play together again, but to witness, first hand, the abilities of the youngsters.

“The young guys are really talented and will be very good,” Hairston said. “Once they figure out what it takes, they will be a force.”

Unofficially, Hairston had six points for the former Salukis’ team (scoring was kept by ones and twos). Young, who gets to see the youngsters on a daily basis due to his job as a graduate assistant, scored 8 points. Tatum hit several big shots, including the game winner in Dillard’s face. Willis and Smith each contributed a basket. The former Salukis won the very close game.

“Those young guys were mad they lost to us,” Hairston said. “They don't understand that's the only way we play … hard.”

The current Salukis, however, did have a nice showing. Booker had several big dunks off of rebounds to lead the effort. Dillard, who was guarded by Tatum for most of the game, had two 3-pointers. Freeman, who looks to be a big part of the team next season after sitting out last season due to transfer rules, scored the most points among the current players, hitting almost every shot he took. Fay and Evans each added a few points.

For the second straight year, Saluki legend Jamaal Tatum will be returning to Carbondale to put on his "JT Pro Basketball Camp." Last year, over a 100 youth from the area attended the camp where they received hands on instruction from Tatum and other current and former Saluki players and coaches. This year, the camp will be held on May 2nd at the SIU Rec Center. Tatum will be joined at this year's camp by Luke Jackson (First Round NBA Draft Pick), Rod Benson (NBDL All-Star), Brent Petway (NBDL Slam Dunk Champ), Gerry McNamara (Syracuse), Stetson Hairston (SIU Sweet Sixteen Team), Bryan Turner (SIU), Mildon Ambres (Idaho Stampede) and more. The camp is open to girls and boys who are 18 and under. Registration for the camp is $50 and all proceeds will benefit Tatum's Y.O.U. Organization. For a registration form click here.  

According to Todd Hefferman's Dawg Blog on thesouthern.com, 6-8 forward Eugene Teague, Jr. will be wearing a Saluki uniform next season. Teague comes to the Salukis via  APEX Academy, a prep school in New Jersey. Click here for more on Teague, including a video highlight reel.

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