All Larry DeGeus wanted was to show his old basketball coach how he turned out.

More than 20 years ago, DeGeus played for Ritz Ingram in Germany. DeGeus was a teenager living with his parents, who were stationed there in the Air Force.

When his family returned to the United States, DeGeus, 41, kept in touch with his teammates but lost touch with Ingram.

Through a search engine, DeGeus discovered Ingram was bringing his team of 11th and 12th graders from Quakenbrueck, Germany, to Collin County for two Prime Time Sports tournaments.

DeGeus, in Dallas for business, took a break Saturday and drove to three gyms before meeting up with Ingram and his team after a game in Frisco.

"I'm about 100 pounds heavier, so I didn't think he would recognize me," DeGeus said.

The two visited for about 20 minutes.

"This is what many of us are in coaching for," Ingram said. "I can't remember most of the games I won or lost, but I'll never forget the kids I had an impact on."

Ingram and his team are playing in the Prime Time Sports tournament, which begins today in Plano. More than 140 teams will participate. Ingram worked with Prime Time Sports to set up hotel and transportation for the 15 days the team would be in town.

Ingram, originally from Philadelphia, has been coaching in Germany on and off for more than 20 years. The Army brought him there, and basketball is why he came back. He coached select teams and players such as Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki the year before he was drafted.

Ingram describes himself as "old school." No tattoos. No long hair. He is about fundamentals and life lessons.

"I understand that one in every 600,000 people will play professional basketball," Ingram said. "I want them to enjoy it but don't bank on making a living at it."

DeGeus remembered those lessons.

"It was a weird thing because you respected him, but if we saw him on the street, we would run the other way," DeGeus said.

"School wasn't really my thing. He would give us lessons, but at the time you think you're smarter at that age, and then things sink in later."

DeGeus appreciated the long talks, the stern looks and the rigorous training. He wanted Ingram to know about his tile contracting business in San Antonio. He has a family now, a wife of 20 years and two teenagers. He coached for fun and became involved in his community.

He is bringing the family back with him this weekend to see Ingram and his team.

"It's not always the wins, it's the other stuff that makes a big difference," DeGeus said.

E-mail mowalker@dallasnews.com