Packed Gaines Center welcomes NBA All-stars

The crowds filed in from all over to see the NBA's shining stars compete in the CP3 All-Star Pick-up Game. Chris Paul, point guard of the New Orleans Hornets, and Winston-Salem native, hosted the game.

"Normally I would be in training camp, but since the lockout is happening we had time to do something like this," Paul said.

"I played here in the Gaines Center as a child in AAU basketball. So I'm glad to be back in the place where I used to play."

The players were split into two teams. The White Team had Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors; John Wall, Washington Wizards; J.R. Smith, Denver Nuggets; Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder; Carmelo Anthony, N.Y. Knicks; Josh Howard, Washington Wizards; Damion James, New Jersey Nets; Chris Paul.

The Black Team had Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers; Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat; LeBron James, Miami Heat; Rudy Gay, Memphis Grizzlies; Josh Shelby, Memphis Grizzlies; Tristan Thompson, Cleveland Cavaliers; Mario Chalmers, Miami Heat.

The game, where there was 321 combined points, was sold out.

The White Team defeated the Black Team 175-146 in a match up that resembled what an NBA dunk contest should be.

Durant was the games highest scorer with 48 points.  Durant is the NBA's leading scorer for the previous two seasons. He averages 28.9 points per game.

"I knew that Kevin Durant could shoot, but actually seeing him do this in person was incredible," said Dwayne Martin, senior health care management major from Winston-Salem.

"I didn't know that he could go between his legs and dunk because he is so tall."

When the game concluded, LeBron and other players were autographing their shoes and throwing jerseys and other items they were wearing in the crowd.

Asa Mack was one of the people who got a jersey signed by his favorite player, Dwayne Wade. Wade was the only player that played that won a championship during his career.

"It was a great experience, I was excited about the opportunity to get my jersey signed by my favorite player," Mack said.

Wade scored 32 points and was very balanced dishing the ball and grabbing rebounds with five assists and five rebounds.

"I got my money's worth by attending the game. When will you get the chance to see all of these stars in one place? I know I won't get a chance to go to an all-star game for the NBA."

Mack is the assistant hall director for Brown Hall and a 2010 graduate at WSSU.

WSSU alum and NBA Hall-of-Famer Earl "The Pearl" Monroe made an appearance. He was greeted by the students and others.

Monroe helped present the check that the CP3 Foundation gave to the Athletic Department.

Students were involved in the festivities as well.

Tim Carmichael won the dunk contest by attempting a reverse slam dunk with his head above the rim.

After the slam dunk contest, the Rams Athletic Department presented Paul and his family with a framed red and black WSSU jersey and a Ram trophy that resembled the Heisman Trophy.

During a timeout, LeBron, Wade and Paul huddled.

They executed the plan in the waning moments in the game.  

Lebron and Wade stood under the basket while Paul drove the lane. He was lifted by the Heat duo and slammed the ball through the hoop.   

"It was great to see everyone having a great time," Paul said.

"Maybe we can do this again sometime."