Game Notes I Live Audio I Live Video

INDIANAPOLIS - We've all read the signs that say "No shirt, no shoes: No service." On Thursday night, IUPUI head basketball coach Ron Hunter is going to emerge from the Jaguars' locker room sans his stylish size 13's and coach the game versus Oakland (9-9, 4-3 Summit) in his bare feet. The purpose is to raise awareness for Samaritan's Feet, a non-profit organization whose goal is to put 10 million pairs of shoes on children’s feet in 10 years, around the world. 

The organization has recently received attention from USA Today, Sports Illustrated, The Indianapolis Star, The L.A. Times, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, ESPN's Mike & Mike in the Morning and Jim Rome is Burning, among numerous others, thanks to Hunter's contributions.

Hunter's goal was to raise 40,000 pairs of shoes to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s death. Already, 30,000 pairs have been raised, with numerous companies and organizations making charitable efforts. The Indiana Pacers recently donated numerous pairs of autographed shoes to the cause to be raffled and auctioned off, with the proceeds helping the cause. Nine West donated 5,200 pairs of shoes to the effort as well, while other donations have been made directly to Hunter, the Charlotte headquarters for Samaritan's Feet and online. 

The IUPUI Athletics Department urges those wanting to assist to do so in the following manners. Those wishing to donate to the cause can go to www.samaritansfeet.org to make a donation online for as little as $19.99. The Department also asks that students arrive early to Thursday's game in their bare feet. Hunter and WISH-TV's Anthony Calhoun will be doing a live shot in The Jungle at 6:20 p.m., featuring the IUPUI student section, known as "The Red Zone".

On the court, the Jaguars look to snap a two-game skid that dropped them to second place in the Summit League standings. IUPUI dropped a 64-58 contest at Centenary on Saturday as junior George Hill led the way with 14 points and 13 rebounds. It was his fifth double-double of the season and the 12th of his college career. Billy Pettiford added 13 points, 11 of which came in the first half. 

Only a few hundred tickets remain, so fans are encouraged to contact John Rasmussen at 317-274-5453 in the IUPUI Athletics Office to purchase tickets in advance of tipoff.

Pregame coverage of Thursday's contest begins at 6:30 p.m. on Freedom 95.9 FM. Greg Rakestraw (pbp) will call the action. The game is also part of the SummitTV subscriber package. Those interested can tune in for $4.95 by visiting the Summit League website.