Photos by Ralph Freso / Slideshow
The disappointment of not being able to watch three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. quickly vanished in the mind of Grand Canyon University junior Julia McNichol.
McNichol and fellow junior Arikka Graves were two of nearly 100 GCU students – nearly all female – who were thrilled to take a photograph Friday night with social media sensation Josh Richards.
“It’s crazy,” Graves said after she and McNichol scooted happily to their front row seats after taking a coveted photo with Richards and staring at it on their cell phones for several seconds. “I just think having an event like this on campus is very cool.”
Richards was one of two dozen celebrities – including Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Terrell Owens, 2011 Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III and Suns great Shawn Marion – who headed to court for the Celebrity Sweat Slam Jam basketball game at Global Credit Union Arena.
The game was part of the festivities for the men’s Final Four basketball tournament that concludes tonight with the championship game at State Farm Stadium.
Graves said it was a great idea for GCU to host such an event, especially for students, who were treated to entertainment just before spring semester finals start in two weeks. Just the day before, students were delighted to watch GCU senior standout Gabe McGlothan win the King's Hawaiian College Slam Dunk Championship at GCU Arena and before a national television audience.
The Slam Jam, presented by Talking Stick Resort and Casino, was held in support of military, military veterans and first responders, and the GCU community treated the event as if it were a home game for the Lopes men’s basketball team.
A lengthy line of students formed more than an hour before the Arena doors opened. The Thundering Herd Pep Band and Spirit Squad performed their pregame ritual. And the Arena was nearly filled by tipoff.
Beckham apologized for his absence in a video clip on the video screen before the game, and Hall of Famers Charles Barkley and Jerry Rice were among those who emphasized their support for the military and first responders via video.
Murray, who was limited to the final eight games with the Cardinals after returning from knee surgery, played the role of coach against Marion as he sported a black ski cap, black windbreaker and black sweatpants.
“It feels good to just be part of the community and watch these guys have fun,” Murray said before the game. “A lot of these guys are comedians, some of these guys will try hoops, so it’s fun.”
Murray, who won the 2018 Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma, said this was his first time on the GCU campus. He was impressed with the student support at basketball games he watched on video.
When asked about the atmosphere as students sprinted to their seats, Murray did not pause.
“It’s the GOAT, the GOAT,” Murray said. “I’d love to play basketball here.”
But the spirited environment was not going to tempt Murray to try a layup.
“Probably not,” he said with a smirk.
GCU does not have a football program, so the odds are high that this will be the closest many of the students will get to seeing and or meeting pro football players in person.
“There are super huge names here,” said Brayden Stenner, a freshman graphic design major. “It’s cool to see all these guys come from all over the United States, like Kyler Murray. It’s neat to watch them while I was growing up and now see them in person.
“I’m sure they practiced in the offseason.”
Griffin, whose parents served as sergeants in the Army, buried a 3-point shot early in the game.
Richards will not win style points for his form as he heaved a knuckling shot, but it banked high off the glass and went through the net to the delight of several admirers.
Former NFL defensive lineman Spice Adams, who played at 310 pounds, made the most of his time by dancing while guarding the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Griffin and occasionally feigning injury after falling after a shot.
Team RGIII/OBJ defeated Team Shawn Marion/Terrell Owens 108-99.
GCU News Senior Writer Mark Gonzales can be reached at [email protected]
