Alumni games are making a comeback in Manteca these days.

Dave Asuncion and Brett Lewis want in on the action.

The two East Union graduates are hosting alumni basketball games between East Union and Manteca High graduates this Saturday at Dalben Center.

Asuncion graduated from East Union in 1996, and Lewis in 2005. They are now varsity head coaches for the schools involved, with Asuncion leading Manteca and Lewis guiding the newer generation of Lancers.

In recent years, Manteca High has started alumni games for former girls basketball and boys soccer players. Last May, alumni football games involving all three schools in town, including Sierra.

“The alumni football game was what struck the idea,” Lewis said. “That was when we said, ‘Why not do something like that for basketball?’”

Two games are scheduled so far, with alumni from the 1990s tipping off at about 5:45 and the 2000s starting close to an hour later. The gym will open at 3.

“Some of the guys probably need the time to warm up,” Asuncion joked.

Cost to play is $25 per player, and admission is $5 for anyone else who wants to watch. Waiver forms must be signed to participate. Money earned will be split between the two boys basketball programs.

The original plan was to fill enough rosters to hold three games, which is still a possibility if players show up the day of the event and register.

“We’re hoping in the next couple of years we can get more alumni out of the woodwork and make it even bigger,” Asuncion said.

Asuncion added that former Manteca head coach Mike Henry, who led the Buffaloes to their only Sac-Joaquin Section championship in 1987, will make an appearance.

The oldest player signed up so far is J.J. Ramirez, representing the Class of 1990 for East Union. He is currently the athletic director at the school but previously coached for Manteca and Lathrop High.