"This is an excellent opportunity for us to expose this community to wheelchair basketball and hopefully get these youth excited about our sport," said NWBA Commissioner Dick Bryant.

Approximately 20 youth with physical disabilities were taught the basic skills of wheelchair basketball by the East and West All-Stars.  The activities included dribbling, passing, shooting and chair skills. 

"This is the third year in a row that I've done this and I absolutely love seeing the smiles on these kids faces," said East All-Star Jeff Glasbrenner.  "It's even more special to be able to do this in the community of New Orleans where these kids are facing not only the hardships that come along with growing up with a disability, but also everything they've been through since Hurricane Katrina."

Also helping with the instruction were NBA Legends George "The Iceman" Gervin, JoJo White, David Thompson and Felipe Lopez, as well as former Olympians and WNBA stars Ruthie Bolton and Jennifer Azzi.

"These athletes are so talented, it's astounding to watch them," said Azzi, who also serves as the WNBA Community Ambassador.  "Basketball is a great game, no matter how you play it and it's wonderful to see these junior athletes have such great role models in the East and West All-Stars."

Following the instructional sessions, the Wheelchair All-Stars gave the crowd a preview of the athletic talent that will be on display in Thursday evening's Classic.  The East managed a 36-30 win in the brief scrimmage.

"This is unbelievable to watch," said Gervin.  "These athletes are competitive and you can see how much they love the game.  It's also great to see them encouraging the junior athletes and showing them that living life in a wheelchair is okay."

The NBA/NWBA All-Star Wheelchair Classic will take place on Thursday, February 15 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center starting at 5:00 PM.  The Classic is part of the NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas.

TEAM ROSTERS

EAST TEAM

Jeff Glasbrenner - Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks
Paul Schulte - Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks
Jason Nelms - Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks (Division II)
Carlos Ocasio - Miami Heat Wheels
Jake Counts - Milwaukee Wheelchair Bucks
Allen Champagne - New Orleans Hornets
Michael Francis - Looney Magee Sixers
Juan Woidtke - Cleveland Cavaliers
David Snowden - New York Knicks
Eddie Lopez - New York Knicks
Donnie Langford - Charlotte Rollin' Bobcats
Bobbie Nickleberry - Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks (Division II)
Dave Kiley - Coach

WEST TEAM

Rob Knight - Denver Rolling Nuggets
William Arriaga - LA Fast Breakin Lakers
Chuck Gill - Golden State Warriors
Trooper Johnson - Golden State Warriors
Jeff Griffin - Utah Wheelin' Jazz
Luis Blancas - L.A. Clippers
Christina Ripp - Denver Rolling Nuggets
Paul "Taz" Capasso - Denver Rolling Nuggets
Tommy Schroeder - Phoenix Suns
Mike Garafola - L.A. Lakers
Ron La Bar - Coach