NBA VET MAHORN COMING TO CAPE CLINIC

New Bethel Church of Cape Girardeau is putting on a fund-raising youth basketball clinic Friday.

But this won't just be your ordinary hoop clinic. The guest will be Rick Mahorn, a longtime veteran of the National Basketball Association who -- if and when the current lockout ends -- will be entering his 18th NBA season.

The reason the church was able to attract someone like Mahorn is simple. David Dumars, a Southeast Missouri State University assistant football coach, is a New Bethel member. And Dumars' brother happens to be Joe Dumars, a six-time NBA All-Star who is entering his 14th season with the Pistons.

"I guess it helps to know somebody like Joe," said David Dumars with a laugh.

The clinic, for youngsters ages 8-17, will run from 8-5 p.m. at the A.C. Brase Arena Building. The cost is $20, which includes lunch, a T-shirt and an autographed picture of Mahorn, who plans to sign autographs and also give a talk following the clinic.

"It's a chance for the kids to get exposed to basketball," said Dumars. "Hopefully we'll have a pretty good turnout. I think the kids will really enjoy hearing what Rick has to say."

Mahorn, a rugged 6-foot-10, 260-pounder, has long been noted as one of the NBA's better defenders and rebounders among forwards. He was a member of the 1988-89 Pistons team that won the NBA Championship and he has also played with Washington, Philadelphia and New Jersey.

Dumars said he and his church hope to make this clinic an annual event.

"We're going to try and get bigger and better every year," he said. "We're going to shoot for Grant (Hill) next year."

Youngsters who plan on attending the clinic can simply show up at the Arena Building Friday morning, or for more information, call 651-8648.