2003: Jalen Appears on Wheel of Fortune
June 24, 2008
During NBA Week (November 17-21, 2003), Jalen was chosen to appear on
Wheel of Fortune which aired nationally on Friday, November 21(check
local listings for station and time). The show was taped at Radio City
Music Hall in New York City on Tuesday, September 16, 2003.
Jalen and 14 other top NBA stars, WNBA players and NBA legends on the
game show were each partnered with a fan from their respective city.
The fans who participated played for cash and NBA-themed prizes, while
the NBA and WNBA contestants donated their winnings to their favorite
charities. Three player/fan teams were featured each night.
Current NBA stars included Paul Pierce (Boston Celtics), Steve Francis
(Houston Rockets), Amare Stoudemire (Phoenix Suns), Jalen Rose (Chicago
Bulls), Michael Finley (Dallas Mavericks), Allan Houston (New York
Knicks), Derek Fisher (Los Angeles Lakers), Brad Miller (Sacramento
Kings) and Malik Rose (San Antonio Spurs). NBA legends who played
included Julius "Dr. J" Erving (Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey
Nets), Walt Frazier (New York Knicks), Bill Walton (NBA legend and
current NBA on ABC and ESPN announcer) and James Worthy (Los Angeles
Lakers). WNBA players included Teresa Weatherspoon (New York Liberty)
and Sue Bird (Seattle Storm).
"NBA Week provides a great opportunity to team some of the most popular
athletes in the world with the most popular game show in the world,"
said Wheel of Fortune Executive Producer Harry Friedman. "It’s also
wonderful that we are able to help raise a significant amount of money
for a variety of great charities."
The contestant from the team with the week’s highest total winnings was
the envy of basketball fans everywhere, as he or she won some very
special themed prizes, courtesy of the NBA, including a trip for four
to the 2004 NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles with VIP access to NBA
All-Star 2004 Events. They also won NBA memorabilia provided by Upper
Deck Authenticated, NBA apparel by Reebok and a DirecTV package,
including an NBA League Pass subscription.
Wheel of Fortune is the #1 program in the history of syndicated
television, and, this year, it marks its 21st season in syndication. It
is seen by 18 million viewers each evening in the U.S. and 100 million
weekly viewers worldwide. Wheel of Fortune is produced by Sony Pictures
Television, a Sony Pictures Entertainment company, and distributed
worldwide by King World Productions, Inc.
A special thanks to Jalen’s Wheel of Fortune partner, Jonelle Williams from Chicago!
