Aug. 4, 2002
DALLAS, Texas - The Big 12 Men's Basketball All-Star team concluded preparation for its 2002 European tour Sunday with two practices at the American Airlines Center.
"This is a good situation from the standpoint of having 12 guys that are really starting to get together," Bliss said following the final practice. "Obviously the opposition always has the advantage because they've played together much longer than we have."
The Big 12 All-Stars, consisting of one player from each conference school and coached by Baylor's Dave Bliss, ended their final practice with a scrimmage at the Dallas Mavericks practice facility.
Texas A&M's Nick Anderson had 13 points in the 30-minute scrimmage to lead all scorers. Lawrence Roberts of Baylor tallied game highs in rebounds, eight, and assists, five. Iowa State's Jake Sullivan scored 10 points behind 2-for-4 3-point shooting and added four assists. Pervis Pasco of Kansas State added six points and seven rebounds. All 12 players scored in the scrimmage.
"We're excited about going over," Bliss said. "We first of all look forward to a real entertaining and educational trip, but we also look forward to some good competitive basketball."
"It's going OK," said Baylor's Lawrence Roberts. "Getting to know the guys and just hanging out is a big experience for me. It has been fun, going out there and competing with the guys. There is a lot of competition out there so it's always fun."
"Lawrence has done a great job coming back from his broken leg," Bliss said. "Having a chance to have Lawrence work with these other fine players has improved his abilities."
The All-Stars depart Monday for an 11-day tour of Scandinavia, in which the team will play six games in Sweden, Norway and Denmark.
Team members include Nick Anderson (Texas A&M), Travon Bryant (Missouri), Will Chavis (Texas Tech), Jason Klotz (Texas), Ivan McFarlin (Oklahoma State), Jake Muhleisen (Nebraska), Bryant Nash (Kansas), Pervis Pasco (Kansas State), Lawrence Roberts (Baylor), Jake Sullivan (Iowa State), Quannas White (Oklahoma) and Blair Wilson (Colorado).
This is the sixth annual Big 12 All-Star team, and the third men's squad. Former Texas Tech head coach James Dickey guided the first men's Big 12 All-Stars to a 4-2 record in August 1998 while touring London, Paris, Belgium, and Germany. In 2000, Colorado head coach Ricardo Patton guided the second men's all-star squad to a 5-1 record in Austria and Germany. Women's Big 12 All-Star teams toured in 1999 and 2001.
QUOTES FROM BIG 12 ALL-STAR PLAYERS:
Quannas White, Oklahoma
"I think that we've got a good group of guys. I think we've got a really good team. We're just trying to do something that hasn't really been accomplished, going undefeated. That's our main goal right now.
"Practice has been tough. It's kind of reminding me of Oklahoma practice a little bit. These two-a-days are going to help us in January, it keeps us in a little bit of shape until school starts."
Jason Klotz, Texas
"We've got a good team. I didn't realize everyone was so talented. I don't know our competition but I think we should play really well. I expect a lot out of us."
Travon Bryant, Missouri
"All the guys seem to be loosening up a little bit. When we first met each other we were all kind of tight. Ever since we got on the basketball court it seems like everybody has opened up and is real vocal. That's the big thing right now, being confident with each other so that we can accomplish our goals. This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I'm thankful the Big 12 chose me."
Ivan McFarlin, Oklahoma State
"When you're playing around a great team of guys it really challenges you. We've got great players on the team and it feels good to be here and be one of the Big 12 representatives showing the world that the Big 12 is one of the most dominant conferences."
Jake Sullivan, Iowa State
"Practice has been hard, but it's been fun. You're playing with such good players and the competition is so high. But that's what even makes it more fun. We knew it'd be hard, but we're going out there to win. We want to represent America as well as the Big 12, so we'll do whatever it takes to win over there."
