Sixers to hold open practice at the Palestra

When Dartmouth was pummeled by North Carolina, 96-66, on December 16, the Big Green actually considered themselves very lucky. When the game was first scheduled, the Tar Heels were national-championship contenders led by perhaps the country's best 1-2 punch in swingman Jerry Stackhouse and center Rasheed Wallace. But before Dartmouth had a chance to counter with its own inside-outside combo of Sea Lonergan and Brian Gilpin, Stackhouse and Wallace left for the greener pastures of the NBA. Ironically, instead of playing at the Big Green's Leede Arena, Stackhouse will be visiting the Palestra as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. This Sunday, the Sixers will hold an open practice at Penn's home court as a benefit for the Hero Scholarship Fund. Although no admission will be charged, fans will be asked to make a donation to the charity in memory of police officers Robert Porter and Lauretha Vaird, who were recently killed in the line of duty. Gates will open at 3 p.m. with Philly mascot Big Shot and the Sixers cheerleaders providing entertainment. At 3:15 p.m., 76ers head coach John Lucas will welcome the crowd, followed by player introductions. The players will go through regular warmups and layup drills beginning at 3:25 p.m., after which there will be an intra-team scrimmage. At 4:25 p.m., all children in attendance will be invited down to the Palestra hardwood, where they will be allowed to take a shot from the court. The 76ers held a similar open practice at Villanova's duPont Pavilion last month. The event raised nearly $6,000 for the Philadelphia Zoo Renewal Fund. About 1,000 fans showed up for the practice. One of the off-the-court highlights of the Villanova visit was an impromptu version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" by Stackhouse. The 76ers currently have the worst record in the NBA at 10-37. On the offensive end, Philly is led by Stackhouse, the league's leading scorer among rookies. Stackhouse is a mid-season contender for Rookie of the Year honors.