By LARRY VAUGHT

Anthony Epps knows he will “have a lot of fun” Saturday when he returns to Rupp Arena to play for the first time since the 1995-96 season when he helped Kentucky win the national championship.

Some members of that 1996 championship team are coming back to play against a team from the John Calipari Fantasy Camp before an exhibition game matching former Wildcats now playing in the NBA. The 1996 team will play at noon with the NBA stars slated to tip off at 2 p.m. All proceeds from the event go to various charities.

“It will be lot of fun. The cause is the big thing about it. A lot of Kentucky fans will get to see their favorite players and it is nice to be able to provide that enjoyment. I am really looking forward to it,” Epps said. “I am not in the greatest shape, but I can play at my own pace and still be productive.

“It will be great for everybody to come back and play and get on the court where we made so many great memories. But giving back to the fans is the biggest thing for all of us. That’s why we are playing.”

Epps has no desire to play in the second game against players expected to be there such as John Wall, Demarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis and more.

“I will stay around and watch. The fact those guys also came UK means we are one big happy family. Fans will love that, too. Getting the 96 guys taking pictures with those guys will be great for the fans,” Epps said.

However, there’s no need to bother asking Epps how his 1996 championship team would have fared against UK’s 2012 title team.

“We do not need to talk a lot of trash. I still think we were the better team better. In different spots they may have had an advantage, but  what is great is that we will all be back at the same time and can share memories of UK,” Epps said.