Two of the greatest basketball players in Slater Wildcat history were recognized Friday, Nov. 14 as the community gathered to dedicate their new gym floor.

Joe Kleine and his family, along with the family of the late Roscoe White, sat on the front row of chairs arranged on the floor that now bears their names, during a ceremony that included an auction and opportunity to meet this year’s basketball and cheer teams. Kleine and White were also the two inaugural inductees into the new Slater Legends alumni hall of fame. Kleine tells KMMO News he was humbled not only by the honors, but to also share them with White.

Kleine reflected on his time in Slater, where he led the Wildcats to a runner-up finish in the 1980 Class 2A state championship before playing at the University of Arkansas and spending 15 seasons in the NBA.

Pieces of the gym floor, which was in place for nearly seven decades, were auctioned off, including several pieces autographed by Kleine and White’s brothers and sister.