With cat-like prowess, Jim Sullivan posts up against his opponent, takes a quick dribble and fakes to the left before powerfully spinning away from his defender and releasing a towering hook shot, all before noon.

Sullivan, an associate professor at the School of Art and Design, is a devoted member of 28 years to SIUC’s Noon-Hour Basketball Program, which began in 1965. The 10-member team meets from noon to 1 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Pulliam Gymnasium.

Sullivan’s sixth-sense for roundball on the court has enabled him to be a continuous offensive threat to SIUC faculty and staff for more than two decades.

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Twenty years ago when we were playing, the janitors called us the retreads, Sullivan, SIUC faculty union president, said. I don’t know what they would call us today. I think the tread has worn thin.

The foundations of the noon basketball games started in 1964 as a physical fitness program that was offered to faculty and staff.

Ronald Knowlton, chairman of the Physical Education Department, developed the program as part of a study he was conducting, which involved researching activity and physical fitness data.

When we started this (in 1964) some participants would want to play volleyball, some jogged, and one group wanted to play basketball, Knowlton said.

Well, the basketball has stayed around ever since. I don’t know if there’s a Guinness Record for longest continuous basketball game, but this might qualify.

Some of the noon-hour players still remember being part of the research group before the game broke off and took on a life of its own.

Greg Hillman, a management analyst programmer for Information Technology, joined the team in 1968.

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I can remember when we had to weigh in before games, and blood samples were taken, Hillman said. I think Ron (Knowlton) was using this information as part of his doctoral thesis.

Hillman’s game has continued to improve over the course of the last 29 years. His long-range shot is somewhat reminiscent of Larry Bird’s shot.

I have a philosophy about the game, Hillman said. If you miss, then shoot until you hit, and then keep on shooting.

One of the team’s newest members says the noon-hour players understand the fundamentals and basics of the game, and it is fun playing the game with them.

Ricardo Cortez Cruz, an associate professor of English and two-year program participant, considers himself the baby of the group.

I got a call a few years ago from one of the players asking me to play with the team, the 33-year-old Cruz said. He said the team was looking for some fresh blood.

Cruz said Sullivan is an all-around player who understands the fundamentals of the game.

Jim (Sullivan) is one of the best players on the team, Cruz said. He has this New Jersey, inner-city playground style.

Games traditionally have been played in SIU Arena since 1965, but because of the construction of the new Arena floor, the team has been playing in the Pulliam Gymnasium this semester.

We have been temporarily displaced (this semester), Sullivan said. But it hasn’t affected us from regularly getting together and playing ball.

George Forest, 67, is a retired publications editor at the Department of University Electronic Communications and an original member of the team.

I was 35 when I first shot a basketball, Forest said. Now I love the game. (This program) feels good, and it takes daily frustrations away.

Although Forest does not consider himself to be the Michael Jordan of the noon-hour program, he said he can be a threat at almost any place on the court.

I’m good with all shots, but I enjoy playing (the post), Forest said. I will keep on playing, even into my 80s if I feel I can contribute to the game.

Many of the members look up to Forest because of the amount of time that he has played for the team. Cruz especially admires Forest’s skill on the court.

George is tough in the post, Cruz said. He can really hit the shots down low.

The number of players has been dwindling of late, and some new bodies are needed.

Sometimes we don’t have enough players come out at noon, and we can’t play full court, Sullivan said. I would like to see some new players come out.

Knowlton said he expects the program to continue indefinitely.

These players have played consistently for a long time, he said. Sometimes they get together over vacations. The program is good for the players, mentally and physically.

FACTOID:Interested faculty and staff can contact Jim Sullivan at 453-2780 or 549-4185. The team meets from noon to 1 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the Pulliam Hall Gymnasium.