"You have the top Triangle talent all in one spot," said the former University of North Carolina basketball star. "Then, after the game, the kids get a chance to get autographs from the players. It's all fun and fan friendly."

Williams is a part of that fun and friendly atmosphere on the N.C. Central campus. He is a reserve on Team WR Starkey along with fellow Tar Heels Ed Davis and Jerry Stackhouse, whose organization S.J.G. Greater NC Sports, hosts the summer league.

A quick perusal through the team rosters and it would be hard to argue with Williams. Top players from the ACC, CIAA, MEAC, independents, high school and the NBA are giving fans a thrill every Tuesday and Thursday night from 6 to 9 p.m.

"It's the best entertainment value going around," Durham native A.B. Agrston said. "Where else can you see talent like this -- for free?"

Stackhouse, a native of Kinston, N.C., and friends organized the Pro-Am last year to bring professional and non-professional athletes together to showcase their skills, develop a mentoring program and support local charities like Bridge 2 Sports, American Diabetes Foundation and Stackhouse's own Triple Threat Foundation.

As with most inaugural events, there's a painful learning curve. But the second year has gone much more smoothly, and word of mouth from last year has increased attendance to sellout crowds and a slew of sponsors: State Farm, Spaulding, Dick's, adidas and others.

However, fans aren't the only ones benefiting from "The Rucker of the South," as the league is called. NCCU, which begins its third year of Division I reclassification, is getting the type of exposure no amount of money can buy.

Men's basketball coach LeVelle Moton is on the Pro-Am staff as the public relations contact, and also coaches a league team, God Bless My Success, that includes Charlotte Bobcats guard Raymond Felton plus several of his own recruits.

"Any time there are prospects from either high school or junior college and you can see them on a consistent basis, it helps you in the recruiting process," said Moton, who recently hired former Duke star Robert Brickey as an assistant.

"The fact that this league is in our gym helps us financially because I can see a recruit 15 steps from my office, and I don't have to pay to get on a plane. So there are benefits of having the league on our campus, but there are still so many players that aren't playing in this league that I believe it evens itself out in the end."

The regular season runs through Aug. 4, and the tournament begins Aug. 7. Visit www.ncproam.com for teams and schedules.

Preview means football season

The Triangle Pigskin Preview is Thursday at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel. The highly anticipated luncheon is the official kickoff to the Triangle football season. All three ACC coaches and NCCU coach Mose Rison will discuss the upcoming season.

But don't expect any secrets to be revealed. Preseason luncheons are more entertainment than information; at $60 a pop, nobody is there for the chicken.

But this year has a little more added intrigue since the Eagles and the Blue Devils will battle on the gridiron for the first time in history. It's a game many thought would never happen, so mark you calendar: Sept. 26, 7 p.m., Wallace Wade Stadium.

All of Durham should be there.