The smiles haven’t only disappeared for former members of North Carolina’s men’s basketball team, mired in one of its worst years in recent memory.

Last Saturday, former Kansas University women’s greats returned to Allen Fieldhouse as they took part in the third annual alumnae weekend.

But for former Jayhawks and current WNBA players Lynn Pride and Tamecka Dixon, this season’s team which already has more losses than any team in school history is but a shadow of the conference contenders and NCAA Tournament teams that they played for at KU.

Not even another Jayhawk loss later that afternoon to Oklahoma State could dampen the weekend’s festivities, though.

“My family here is KU,” said Pride, who plays for the Minnesota Lynx. “It’s just tremendous to be a part of. I’m fortunate to have had the opportunity.”

Dixon, who is coming off a championship season with the Los Angeles Sparks, echoed Pride’s sentiments about her alma mater.

“There’s nothing like Allen Fieldhouse,” said Dixon, KU’s sixth-leading scorer all-time.

But for as much success as the two helped bring KU during their respective careers, the only thing they can do now is offer encouragement.

“They have to (turn things around),” said Pride, who is KU’s fifth all-time scorer and ranked among the top five in 11 of the Jayhawks’ 17 career categories. “It’s not acceptable. It’s not KU.”

Indeed. Since Pride’s collegiate career ended in 2000, Kansas has endured back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 1982-83 and 1983-84.

But Dixon supports her former leader, KU coach Marian Washington, and said it’s only a matter of time before things improve.

“I can’t even put it into words,” said Dixon, of what Washington has meant to both KU and herself. “I know she’s taking a lot of heat right now for what’s going on, but she’s a very, very good coach. I think next year this program will turn around.

“But it’s up to the players to take the initiative to be successful. Your players are an extension of the coach and right now they’re not showing what coach is made of. It hurts right now, but they’ll get through it.”

Dixon and Pride are showing what they are made of at the next level.

Dixon, the 1996-97 Big 12 Player of the Year, averaged 11.7 points per game while dishing out 3.9 assists per contest in helping the Sparks during their championship run.

Pride, on the other hand, hopes to get her Lynx into the playoffs this season. She averaged 5.3 points and 4.6 rebounds in her first professional season.

“We definitely want to be in the race,” Pride said. “That’s one of our ultimate goals and something personally I want to succeed in.

“I also want to take my game to the next level. I think there’s more out there I can give and I just want the opportunity to show people.”

Dixon, who helped the Jayhawks reach the Sweet 16 in 1996, will be trying to add her name to a select list of Jayhawks those who participated on an Olympic team.

Lynette Woodard is the only player to have ever participated in the Games, while Washington has been a U.S. assistant coach and selection committee member. Dixon will try out for the World Championship team, which carries over into the Olympics, next September in Colorado Springs, Colo.

No matter what kind of success these two have at the professional and international levels, though, there always will be a special place in their hearts for KU basketball.

“I’ll always envy them,” Pride said of Kansas players. “I guess with college you have just a little bit more fun.”