It’s a duo and a friendship that started in Springfield in the early 2000s, and it’s continuing in Strafford nearly 20 years later at the Summer Pro-Am. Two former Bears back on the Basketball court together, this time as 40-year-olds.
“I try to average a triple single. Maybe six points, six rebounds, four assists, and a block or something like that. I think for a summer league for a 40-year-old that’s pretty good,” said former Missouri State Bear Tamarr Maclin.
The expectations aren’t high for the oldest team at the Pro-Am called ‘Still Got It.’
“We’re just thankful to be able to play honestly. We are a bunch of old dudes,” said former Missouri State Bear Anthony Shavies.
When Anthony Shavies and Tamarr Maclin first played together at Southwest Missouri State, they weren’t old.
“He was my roommate in college, we were roommates for two years,” Maclin said.
That was back in the early 2000s.
“I was younger, I had a little more explosiveness, I could jump higher,” Maclin added.
Maclin played one year of pro ball in Poland before moving back to the Ozarks, while Shavies had an extended pro career.
“I went overseas for nine years after graduating from Missouri State,” Shavies said.
It’s been a while since they’ve laced up for competitive basketball.
“I don’t play any basketball honestly,” Shavies added.
At 40, it’s a bit of an adjustment.
“I have a lot of WD 40 for my knees to keep them going,” Maclin joked. “It’s a cool experience, I just like to stay in shape.”
“It’s a lot less competitive for me. People that knew me I was living and dying on those wins and losses, I would die on this floor for a win,” Shavies said.
These two once played to win games, now they have something else in mind.
“I have three little kids of my own, so for them to come out here and see me play it’s a little nostalgic,” Maclin said.
“It’s cool for the kids to get to watch us play because we’re obviously too old for them to see us in our prime,” Shavies said. “He (Maclin’s son) gets to watch his dad and all his ‘uncles’ play so it’s awesome.”
Don’t let their age fool you, these 40-year-olds still got game.
