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‘White Shadow’ remembered: In the midst of an 11-year, $6 billion deal to broadcast the NCAA Tournament, CBS makes a habit of trotting out stars from its shows at NCAA Tournament venues.

In Chicago, it was Dennis Haysbert’s turn to take in a few games and share some thoughts about playing Jonas “Snake Doctor” Blane on “The Unit.”

When asked whether he had any super-secret suggestions for quick-strike military ops that might secure the Jayhawks a spot in the Final Four, the accomplished actor played along.

“What they have to do is play as a team,” Haysbert said, in the deep, reassuringly confident voice also used in Allstate insurance ads. “You know, my team consists of five guys, so basketball’s not that much different. You’ve just got to play as a team, and everyone out there has to be a leader. All of ’em have to get the ball, move the ball around, play defense and play at the top of their game.”

Haysbert got his start on TV in 1979, guest starring with Michael Warren, a streetballer being recruited for the team on “The White Shadow.”

Not that he’d be able to handle such competition today.

“At my age?” he said, looking down at the United Center court. “That would hurt.”