Paul Pierce ends up on the floor during the Legends of the Phog game Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at Allen Fieldhouse.

Former Kansas University guard Darnell Valentine, 52, was the oldest Jayhawk to play in Saturday’s Legend of the Phog exhibition in Allen Fieldhouse.

Valentine had one assist and a steal in four minutes.

Valentine in a speech to the fans in a timeout gave a moving tribute to former KU assistant coach Neil Dougherty, who died this past summer while jogging in Indianapolis. Part of the proceeds from Saturday’s game went to charities chosen by Dougherty’s family.

“He (Dougherty) gave me the confidence to come to KU with him and coach (Roy) Williams at the time,” said former KU forward Paul Pierce, who also spoke to the fans during a timeout with Dougherty’s family members standing next to him.

“I was the youngest of three boys. Two older brothers were out of the house when I was in high school (in Los Angeles). It was tough leaving home, leaving my mother because it was me and her growing up. I trusted coach Dougherty and coach Williams. Neil was a father figure to me. I remember going to his house, getting away from campus, going to eat there, spending time with his family.

“He was a player’s coach. He always gave me confidence on the sideline. I remember my junior year he told me I was better than Ray Allen right now. I didn’t believe him. It’s crazy because I play with Ray Allen now (with Boston Celtics). My heart goes out to he and his family. They made it real comfortable for me to come here.”

Manning talk

KU coach Bill Self tried to talk KU assistant Danny Manning into playing. Manning sat on the bench next to coach Larry Brown for part of the contest and also doubled as a sideline reporter.

“I thought we’d put him out there against Pollard (Scot, eight points) and some of the other guys not in the best shape,” Self joked. “We were going to run a flex cut, duck in and let him shoot a jump hook and make sure nobody tried to block it, scored and everybody would have gone nuts. But I think he thinks he’s found a second career. He was doing a little sideline reporting. He wanted to do that.

“Danny … to have so much individual fame, he deflects it to everybody else. For him to be part of our staff and what he does for us is special. He wanted this to be their day,” he added of the visiting NBA players. “He’s there every day and they are not. That’s how he operates.”

This, that

Former KU forward Calvin Thompson, who did not play, walked over to the bench and hugged coach Ted Owens before the tip . … Julian Wright danced wildly as he was introduced . … Greg Ostertag formed a big ‘O’ with his arms, the fans in turn responding with the same gesture back at him. … Darnell Jackson pounded his chest three times as he was introduced. … Darnell Valentine, who wore No. 1 instead of 14, bowed to the crowd, while Pierce saluted during introductions. …

Highlights

Darnell Jackson ran into Paul Pierce, knocking Pierce to the floor. Darnell then stole the ball and raced downcourt for a dunk. Pierce stayed on the floor a few moments, a big smile on his face as he called for a foul. Moments later, Pierce dunked following a steal and glared at Jackson jokingly after hanging on the rim. … Later, Jackson (11 points, one steal) hammered Xavier Henry as Henry put up a shot. Jackson hugged Henry before Henry’s free throws. … Mario Chalmers had a dazzling scoop shot on a drive. … Memphis Grizzlies forward Darrell Arthur fouled Grizzlies teammate Xavier Henry on a three, then got away with a no call after hitting Henry on another three a couple possessions later. … Julian Wright threw down a vicious one-handed slam after racing baseline. … Brandon Rush hit for 18 points off 8-of-19 shooting. He hit just one of six from three. … Marcus Morris had 11 points and Markieff 10. … Josh Selby hit five of nine shots and had 10 points with four assists and four turnovers.

In the house

Some former Jayhawks spotted in the crowd: Brett Ballard, Jeremy Case, Eric Chenowith, Lester Earl, Jeff Gueldner, Bill Hougland, David Johanning, Al Kelley, Matt Kleinmann, Bill Lienhard, Mike Maddox, David Magley, Sean Pearson, Chris Piper, Kevin Pritchard, Mark Randall, Patrick Richey, Bud Stallworth, Calvin Thompson.

Recruiting

Some recruits in the house included three players who have committed to KU — Zach Peters, 6-9 forward, Prestonwood Christian High, Plano, Texas; Perry Ellis, 6-8 forward, Wichita Heights and Conner Frankamp, 6-0 guard, Wichita North. Also attending: Andrew White, 6-6 forward, Miller School, Chester, Va.; Ioannis Papapetrou, 6-6 forward, Florida Air Academy, Melbourne, Fla.; Julius Randle, 6-8 forward, Prestonwood Christian, Plano; Marquan Botley, 5-10 guard, Prestonwood Christian.

Coaches

Former KU coach Larry Brown and Ted Owens both talked to their teams during timeouts. They were coaching a bit in this exhibition. Owens called a first-half timeout to stop a rally. He also called time before Mario Chalmers’ game-tying three.

“He was out of timeouts, you know. Bill told me we had college rules, so he was two over the limit. We really won,” Brown joked. “He (Owens) told the players 23 years he spent here 19 as head coach. He had tears talking to everybody about his love for the school. Ted Owens had a lot to do with this program. To see his feelings about it, it’s pretty remarkable. But he wanted to beat my butt (in game), I can tell you that.”