Nick Calathes donned an Afro wig and disco danced to the delight of an O’Connell Center crowd, beginning the final portion of “Shooting With the Stars” on Friday. Earlier in the event, players from the Florida men’s and women’s basketball teams signed autographs and participated in a slam dunk and three-point shooting contest.
The duo of Sharielle Smith and UF cheerleader Darwin Rivera won the dance contest, which included gold-medal swimmer and UF alumnus Ryan Lochte and men’s basketball assistant coach Larry Shyatt as judges.
Dazzlers paired with Calathes, Chandler Parsons and Jai Lucas, while Ebonie Crawford, Jennifer Mossor and Smith danced with male members of the spirit team.
Women’s basketball player Aneika Henry made a one-handed dunk, besting Ray Shipman, Walter Hodge and Chandler Parsons in the dunk contest.
The team of Erving Walker and Susan Yenser defeated Walter Hodge and Sha Brooks in the three-point shooting contest.
As players from both teams were introduced, pyrotechnics illuminated the court as highlights were displayed on the video boards.
Billy Donovan and Amanda Butler each spoke with event host Jeff Cardozo about their thoughts on the upcoming season and their teams’ strengths.
The Dazzlers and Florida cheerleaders performed and several contests for UF students were held.
SLIDESHOW VERSION:
Photo Gallery: UF Basketball, “Shooting With the Stars,” 10/24/08
DIRECTORY OF PAST GATOR COUNTRY PHOTO GALLERIES