Published: December 31, 2008 12:16 pm      

Former U of L basketball stars meet in Jeffersonville to benefit charity

Card party

Former University of Louisville basketball players and coaches reunited at Rocky’s Italian Grill in Jeffersonville on Tuesday to sign memorabilia which will be used at an auction.

The money from the auction will go to Family and Children’s Place, which helps children and families affected by abuse, neglect and violence, said spokeswoman Reylene Medina.

Mike Kapfhammer, owner of Buckhead Mountain Grill and Rocky’s, has been a member of the charity’s board for 14 years and set up the event to assist the charity.

“Sexual abuse is a horrific problem, and if they can’t intervene, it can lead to problems the rest of their lives,” Kapfhammer said.

He called Robbie Valentine — a former University of Louisville basketball player who serves on the Greater Clark County Schools Board — and asked if he and fellow alumni wanted to meet at Rocky’s to sign memorabilia.

“It’s great to be able to bring everyone back together and help this charity,” Valentine said.

B.J. Flynn — who starred at Jeffersonville High School before playing at U of L in the mid-1990s — said it was good to have players from several decades come together.

“It’s for charity, and it’s great to see all the former

U of L family,” he said.

Darrell Griffith — who played 11 years for the Utah Jazz after leading U of L to the 1980 NCAA National Championship — was one of the biggest stars at the event.

“We always try to support the community, especially when it has to do with helping children,” Griffith said. “My teammates and former U of L alumni try to make this a better community.”

Valentine described Griffith as a “legend” and said he was excited to play for the same program as he did. He also said he was appreciative that he remains involved in the community.

Wiley Brown — a starting forward on the 1980 team and head basketball coach at Indiana University Southeast in New Albany — said his former teammates came from all over for the event.

“I’ve been playing and coaching for many years, but I’ve never seen a team as close as our 1980 team,” he said.

Valentine praised former

U of L Coach Denny Crum for teaching his players to be involved in the community.

“He always said, ‘In order to get big things, you’ve got to do the small things,’” Valentine said.

Crum had planned to attend, but was out of town on other business.



SO YOU KNOW

• WHAT: U of L memorabilia auction, with proceeds going to Family and Children’s Place.

• WHEN: Jan. 31 after the U of L men’s basketball game against the University of West Virginia at Freedom Hall in Louisville. The game begins at noon, and the benefit will immediately follow.

• HOW MUCH: Tickets cost $20 for the auction, and players and coaches will be there to sign autographs

• CONTACT: Call 812-893-3900 ext. 269