June 27, 2006
Columbia, Mo. - University of Missouri Head Coach Mike Anderson welcomed back one of the all-time greats to wear a Tiger uniform on Tuesday (June 27), when Rickey Paulding (2000-04) returned to Columbia to speak at the 2006 Mike Anderson Basketball Camp at Mizzou Arena.
Paulding touched on various topics while speaking to the campers, including the importance of education and maintaining a love and passion for the game of basketball. One of Missouri's Top 10 career scorers, Paulding poured in 1,673 points during his four-year career, which ranks ninth all-time at Mizzou. He also ranks fourth with 191 career three-pointers and fifth with 131 career games played.
"It's exciting to be back in Columbia and have a chance to speak at the camp," Rickey Paulding said. "I came back last year, so I know a few of the current guys like Marshall Brown and Jason Horton and it was great seeing them again. I also had a chance to meet the new staff. They were very welcoming and excited about the upcoming year. Getting a chance to speak with Mike Anderson was great. He just seems like a great person."
A two-time All-Big 12 honoree, Paulding owns the Mizzou record for three-point field goals in an NCAA Tournament game after hitting nine (15 attempts) against reigning NBA Finals MVP Dwayne Wade and Marquette in the Second Round of the 2003 NCAA Tournament in Indianapolis. He is also second in single-game steals with seven against Colorado in 2004.
A second round draft pick (54th overall) by the Detroit Pistons in the 2004 National Basketball Association Amateur Draft, Paulding played one season with the Pistons before starring for Hapoel Jerusalem, a championship-level squad in Israel. While with Hapoel, Paulding averaged 12.5 points on 51.6 percent shooting from three-point range to lead his club to a second place finish in the ULEB Cup.
This past season Paulding continued his professional career in Lyon Villeurbanne, France, (pronounced Lee-Own) playing for Adecco Asvel. Paulding averaged 10.4 points and 3.7 boards helping Adecco Asvel to the semifinals of the ULEP Cup playoffs.
"It's been a great experience playing overseas," Paulding said. "I've met some great people and they play very good basketball over there. As for the immediate future, I anticipate playing in some NBA Summer Leagues and trying to get back into the NBA. That's a goal of mine."
The first individual session of the Mike Anderson Basketball Camps will conclude June 29. A second individual camp will begin on July 23. Individuals interested in registering for the July 23-27 camp may do so by calling 573-884-8884.