Basketball gives back to the community in many ways

FILE PHOTO Senior guard Louis Bullock and the Michigan men's basketball team often work in several community projects. These include Habitat for Humanity and the Ann Arbor Memory Walk.

By Andy Latack
Daily Sports Writer

Louis Bullock is used to nailing 3-pointers for the Michigan basketball team. And the 6-foot-3 guard can also hit the boards.

But in the coming weeks, Louis Bullock could simply be nailing some boards.

Bullock and the rest of the Wolverines will soon be participating in Habitat for Humanity, a program that builds housing for underprivileged families. The project is just one of the numerous commitments to the community that coach Brian Ellerbe and the Wolverines keep.

With just more than two weeks until practices begin on Oct. 17, Ellerbe and the team are finding time in their rigorous schedule of conditioning and drills to give something back to the community.

"We've got a number of social, community-awareness events that we're a part of," Ellerbe said.

Another one of those begins tomorrow, when Ellerbe will serve as honorary chairman at the eighth annual Ann Arbor Memory Walk.

Ellerbe and the rest of the Wolverines will lead the walk, which will benefit the South Central Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo and the Spartan basketball team participated in the East Lansing leg of the event almost two weeks ago.

After that, the players are slated to try their hand at construction. Which means that, at least for one day, the Wolverines will be taking their orders from a construction foreman rather than Ellerbe. And that's just fine with the coach.

Habitat for Humanity "is something I've been involved with at previous institutions I've been at," Ellerbe said.

Ellerbe also commented on the fact that most of the players enjoy their time helping the community.

"The guys seem to really like it, because they actually get to go out to the construction site and get involved with the building of the house.

"It's neat because once the house is done, you drive by and say 'Hey, I worked on that house.'"

And although Bullock may not be as gifted on the job site as he is on the hardwood, rest assured that the senior guard will also be giving back to the community by doing something that comes naturally - draining threes.

In perhaps its most interesting community service event, Michigan has agreed to participate in the American Cancer Society's Coaches vs. Cancer 3-Point Attack. The program allows individuals to pledge money for every 3-pointer made by their selected team in the upcoming season.

"Coaches vs. Cancer really originated with the efforts of (head coach) Norm Stewart at Missouri, because Norm beat cancer," Ellerbe explained. "Consequently, there have been a lot of other coaches around the country that have gotten involved."

Stewart chairs the program, which champions a cause that is dear to Ellerbe's heart; the coach lost his father to lung cancer and his mother to stomach cancer.

Those two illnesses will receive two-thirds of Michigan's total money raised, with the final third going to the Millie Schembechler Fund to fight adrenal cancer.

So now, Michigan fans have the chance to contribute to a worthy cause while cheering for the Wolverines.

But beware: with Bullock and fellow marksman Robbie Reid in the backcourt, that could make for some pretty broke fans come the end of the season.

Seeking Professional Help: With the first practice rapidly approaching, Ellerbe and his new coaching staff will spend considerable time trying to maximize the talent on this year's youthful squad. To help further in that end, Ellerbe has sought advice from several peers.

"We've got some coaches from the college and pro level that will be flying into Ann Arbor," Ellerbe said. "We'll sit down and talk some ball, and try to figure out how to best utilize the talent that we have."

One of those that offer assistance is Gordon Chiesa, current assistant coach for the Utah Jazz and former coach at Providence College.

10-02-98