Feb. 15, 2008

THIBODAUX, La. - When the 1998 Southland Conference Men's Basketball Championship team celebrates their ten-year anniversary this Saturday, the team will not only reminisce about the glory of a championship season, but they will also remember their former teammate, James Banks.

James Banks died in his sleep in August 2006 from an apparent heart attack. Although he will not be with his former teammates, the spirit and memory of James Banks will never be forgotten.

Prior to Saturday's home basketball game vs. Texas San Antonio, former Colonel basketball coach Rickey Broussard, members of the '98 squad, along with the Banks family will gather in front of Elkins Hall for a private ceremony. A live oak tree will be planted in the memory of James Banks.

Banks, a native of Baton Rouge, La., was known for the constant smile that never left his face. A former staff member described Banks as a guy who could miss the game winning shot, and still have a smile ear to ear on his face. James was just a happy guy.

The ceremony for Banks is part of a reunion celebration for the 1998 SLC Championship team. Jarrod Jessie, a member of the 1998 squad, is now a minister. The Reverend Jessie will hold a private service for Banks family members and former Colonels players.

A memorial plaque will be placed at the base of the tree as a tribute to Banks. "It is important for the memory of James Banks to live on at Nicholls, said former coach Rickey Broussard. Nicholls is a place James Banks really loved."

Tip-off for the Colonels and Roadrunners game will take place at 5 p.m. The game can be heard on 105.9 FM KBZE and 640 AM KTIB starting at 4:45 p.m. with pre-game. Listeners can also tune in on the Internet at www.kbze.com, and follow live statistically at www.geauxcolonels.com by accessing the GameTracker link.

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