Pat Sajak has been hearing that same question nightly on television longer than Amare Stoudemire has been alive. However, during the week spanning Oct. 31 through Nov. 4, game show fans and basketball fans alike will be delighted to see the letters N, B, A, and W featured prominently on the program, as NBA and WNBA stars past and present will be teamed with contestants to help spin the wheel and kick off the NBA's 60th season.

In addition to the cash and prizes being played for by the contestants, the NBA and WNBA stars will be playing to aid the American Red Cross as well as for separate charities of their own choosing. Prior to taping, a minimum of $100,000 of the player’s winnings was guaranteed to assist Hurricane Katrina relief, however these basketball stars certainly showed their skills off the court. Over $350,000 was earned for charity, with $200,000 plus going to aid Hurricane Katrina relief.

“We’re thrilled to have some of the biggest names in basketball partner with America’s Game to provide much-needed help with the relief efforts in the Gulf Coast,” said Wheel of Fortune Executive Producer Harry Friedman.

Some enticing potential rivalries have been set up during the course of the week to pique viewer interest. Is the spirit of competition thicker than blood? Viewers will find out as Luke Walton will be featured on the same show as his Hall of Fame father and current ESPN NBA analyst Bill Walton. Likewise, a triumvirate of former UConn Huskies -- Emeka Okafor, Richard Hamilton and Ben Gordon -- will have their competitive juices flowing, minus the bench voice of Jim Calhoun, as they battle for game show bragging rights. Other stars appearing include Richard Jefferson, Becky Hammon, Mike Bibby, Ray Allen, Carmelo Anthony, Baron Davis, Kenny Smith, Robert Horry, Stoudemire and Bobby Simmons.

Combined with NBA merchandise and apparel, contestants will have the chance to win a trip to the 2006 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot; a WNBA All-Star Experience package including behind-the-scenes access during the 2006 WNBA All-Star Weekend; a trip for four to the 2006 NBA All-Star Game in Houston, including VIP access to NBA All-Star Weekend events; trips to the Electronic Arts and Playstation studios, certain to even make many of the players jealous, and other fantastic prizes.

Additionally, fans watching at home will get a chance to join in the prize parade through the Wheel’s NBA Week Scratch, Watch ‘N Win Game with Champs Sports. With the purchase of merchandise from Champs Sports from Oct. 19 through Nov. 4, shoppers will receive scratch-off game pieces which they can match with the five Bonus Round puzzle solutions shown during the week’s broadcasts. Included among the prizes is a trip to the 2006 NBA All-Star Game in Houston.

Don’t miss what is sure to be a fun and exciting week of television featuring your favorite NBA and WNBA stars helping out a great cause and some lucky contestants. Who knows, Pat and Vanna might even dust off their basketball sneakers afterwards. Rumor has it that they run the pick and roll pretty well.

By Andrew Pearson