Famous alumnus mentors team

A number of current NBA stars have made a point in recent years to give back to their former high school club teams.

Most, including perennial all-stars Antoine Walker and Gary Payton, do it in the form of financial support, picking up the tab for things like uniforms and trips to tournaments.

While the Illinois Warriors welcome monetary sponsorship, they're looking for something more from their alumni.

Foremost, the team wants its "big brothers" to provide friendship and counsel for the players.

Andre Iguodala was happy to oblige to that request.

He decided nearly two months ago he was going to travel with the Warriors to a tournament.

That was before the former Arizona standout was taken by Philadelphia with the No. 9 pick in last month's NBA draft.

True to his word, Thursday morning he was smacking fives and passing out cups of sports drink to the Warriors, who are playing in this week's Nike Peach Jam in North Augusta.

Not exactly the most exotic vacation getaway for a recent lottery pick, but he's content to be at Riverview Park just the same.

"I think the guys enjoy me hanging out with them, just sitting back relaxing," said Iguodala, who is staying at the same hotel the Warriors are.

"The main thing I've told them is, 'I was just like you. I was in your same position. There's no reason why you can't be like me in a few years when you get out of school.' "

Highly recruited Warriors like 6-foot-8 post Julian Wright and 6-6 forward Jon Scheyer are believers, now more than ever.

Each said they enjoy the fact that a multi-millionaire is in their midst - Iguodala is due nearly $2 million from the Sixers - but that you'd never know it.

"He doesn't act like a honcho or something," Wright said. "He acts like he's one of us, because he was one of us."

Iguodala, from Springfield, Ill., said his role with the team this week is to provide pregame motivation and subtle tips.

"They want to let Andre know they can play, too," Warriors coach Larry Butler said. "I can't thank him enough for what he's done."

Butler said former Warriors Darius Miles (Portland Trail Blazers) and Quentin Richardson (Los Angeles Clippers) were both expected in town Thursday evening to join Iguodala in the Warriors' cheering section.

"Just having them there, that helps our confidence so much," Wright said. "They're there to lift our spirits."

They haven't needed much lifting so far this week.

The Warriors, through two days of the Peach Jam, look like they might last until late in the day Saturday. They're 3-1 after their loss to St. Louis on Thursday night.

Reach Travis Haney at (706) 823-3304 or travis.haney@augustachronicle.com.