Big Baby shows off his moves in a charity fundraiser

By Amy Brittain

LSU men's basketball star Glen "Big Baby" Davis traded in basketball sneakers for dancing shoes Saturday night at LSU's Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

Glen Davis (with partner Christine Negulescu) was more nervous dancing in front of LSU fans than playing in the Final Four. Photo by Jared P.L. Normand

Davis and 16 other Baton Rouge area celebrities -- including Baton Rouge Mayor-President Kip Holden -- performed for more than 1,550 fans at Big Buddy's "Dancing with the Stars" program. The local charity is dedicated to improving Baton Rouge youth programs and mentoring.

Although Davis did not win the championship trophy, his swing-dancing routine elicited laughter and cheers from the crowd. Davis said he felt more nervousness than he has ever experienced before a basketball game.

"It's just a different element," Davis said.

Davis' appearance was his last in the PMAC, as the junior forward announced in March he would forgo his senior season to enter the NBA draft.

"It feels good to go out with a bang," he said.

Davis' partner, Christine Negulescu of Mid City Dance Project, said she has taught dance for more than 10 years but never danced with someone of Davis' 6-foot-9-inch, 300-pound size.

"My first thought was - I better order some very high heels," Negulescu said of her 5-foot-4-inch stature.

Negulescu said they only had three practices to learn the complex moves, which included Davis flipping her over his arm.

One of the judges joked Negulescu was "like a little basketball" in Davis' hands.

Davis' mentor and former LSU basketball player Collis Temple Jr. said he attended the event to support Davis and Mayor-President Holden.

"I remember when Glen was in the sixth grade, and we took basketball trips in a van," Temple said. "He would rock the van with his dancing."

Temple said he admired Davis' courage for stepping out of his comfort zone.

"For someone to have that kind of nerve, it's great," Temple said.