June 25, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Three future UAB men's basketball players competed in the Demetrious Johnson Charitable Foundation All-Star Basketball Game in St. Louis last Saturday. Terrence Roderick, Keenan Ellis and Aaron Johnson performed impressively alongside some of the top incoming recruits for Division I schools throughout the Midwest, which battled against the top local talent.

This year's contest featured players who have signed at schools such as Saint Louis University, Missouri and Southern Illinois, among others. Despite the efforts of the three UAB newcomers, the St. Louis Area All-Stars jumped out to a big lead in the first quarter, and were able to hold off the National squad for a 134-126 victory.

Roderick, a 6-6 combo guard, led all scorers for the National All-Stars with 22 points. Roderick scored 12 points in the fourth quarter and helped keep the game close, cutting the lead to two points in the final two minutes before the St. Louis squad pulled away. Roderick missed all five of the 3-pointers he attempted; however, he impressed with his quickness and athleticism and his ability to get to the basket and finish.

Ellis accounted for 15 points, including five dunks, and displayed his athleticism, while also holding his own in the low post. Johnson only played in the opening half, but he lived up to his rep for being a super-quick lead guard who can initiate the offense.

Combined, Mike Davis feels the trio will be very exciting for the Green and Gold, and will be a perfect fit for the style of play he wants to bring to the Blazers next season.

"All three of these guys played well and we are really looking forward for them joining our team next season," Davis said. "When you think about Terrence, Keenan and Aaron, along with our other newcomers, I can't help but to be excited. This is just a glimpse of the excitement these guys can bring to the floor."

Jeremy Felton, a 6-foot-7 power forward headed to Mineral Area Junior College, led all scorers with 25 points on 11-of-17 shooting, including six dunks. Felton helped set the tone for the St. Louis area All-Stars with 16 points in the first half.

Because of his performance, Felton was named the game's Most Valuable Player, joining the event's former MVP's such as New Jersey Nets forward Richard Jefferson (1998), former Florida guard Anthony Roberson (2002), former Missouri State guard Blake Ahearn (2003), Texas A&M tight end Martellus Bennett (2005) and Mizzou guard Keon Lawrence (2006).