Sophomore forward posts new school record while playing for cause
Dec. 9, 2012
HOUSTON, Texas -- Sophomore forward Nneka Enemkpali will be added to the Longhorn history books after becoming the first player in the program's history to post six consecutive double-doubles, breaking Tiffany Jackson's 2006 school record. Enemkpali recorded 16 total points and 12 rebounds; a moment in UT history was witnessed by many Longhorn fans in a game that represented much more than the game of basketball. The MD Anderson Proton Therapy Showcase, a men and women's double-header between the UCLA Bruins and the Texas Longhorns, is a unique experience that promotes awareness for the Proton Therapy Center. Proton Therapy is a conventional radiation therapy that can target the tumor precisely while avoiding the healthy parts of the body and sparing the healthy tissues and organs. The Proton Therapy Center, part of the world-renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center, offers highly developed radiation treatment, which is able to treat tumors in the prostate, lungs, head, neck esophagus and brain, as well as lymphoma and childhood cancers. Texas head coach Karen Aston believes that these games have had a positive opportunity to promote the Therapy Center. "The benefit that [playing in this game] has for cancer research is incredible and we are very privileged to be a part of it," says Aston. UCLA Head Coach Cori Close had similar views about the Showcase and was extremely grateful that both the Bruin's men and women's team had the opportunity to play at Reliant Stadium. "I think this is great...to have a shared experience," said Close. "But playing for a great cause is always good for us to realize that there is a lot more going on around us that is bigger than basketball." School record holder Enemkpali had the opportunity to meet a handful of young MD Anderson patients when Texas held an open practice for these invited guests. The kids were able to meet and play basketball with both Texas basketball teams. "It was great knowing [I was] playing for a cause and that the kids were out there looking up to [me]," said Enemkpali.
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