BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) - The UAB-Memphis game is always a big match-up on the hardwood.  The Bartow Classic, as it's now known, is bigger than the game, however, especially in the wake of Coach Gene Bartow's death.

The late coach is famous both for starting UAB's athletic department, and taking over for John Wooden at UCLA.  "I was here when they brought Coach Bartow in, and I remember the headlines, 'UCLA-0 UAB-1.'  Coach Bartow was a true man of honor, integrity and class," says Bill Heaton.

To honor the coach's memory, stickers in the form of basketballs emblazoned with the letters 'GB' were handed out at the door.

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox made the journey to the Bartow Classic to pay his respects to a man that did so much for so many people.  "I wouldn't be fortunate enough to be succesful in life if people like Coach Bartow wouldn't have taken a chance on me.  I'm excited to be here to honor the coach who's done so much for Birmingham, and really the state of Alabama," said Mayor Maddox.

Coach Bartow's legacy extends beyond the hardwood.  "Athletics mean a lot to a university.  It gets a lot of attention nationally, and obviously he is athletics here," says Perry Webb, a 1981 graduate of UAB.

Part of the proceeds from Saturday night's contest will go to benefit cancer research.