Surrounded by enthusiastic autograph seekers and people of all ages waiting for a photo opportunity, Matt Barnes graciously accommodated the throng as the NBA veteran waited to tee off at the 10th hole Saturday in the Athletes vs. Cancer Golf Invitational.

Patiently hanging in the background, waiting for his opportunity, Steven Lee quietly introduced himself to Barnes and shared a little personal history. A 19-year-old from Sacramento, Lee revealed he is a cancer survivor and wanted to thank Barnes for being the driving force behind the second annual charity cancer event at Woodcreek Golf Club in Roseville.

An NBA player noted for this physical toughness and willingness to take on the league’s elite scorers defensively, Barnes showed a softer side repeatedly at the event he hosted to honor his mother, who died of cancer three years ago.

And when Barnes encountered any cancer sufferers or survivors like Lee, his sensitivity meter went off the charts. He knows the pain of losing a loved one and understands the struggle for people fortunate enough to beat cancer.

“It’s like going to hell and back, and then some,” said Lee, discussing his four rounds of chemotherapy and being lucky enough to receive a bone marrow transplant in September 2010. “That’s why I’m out here (donating time to Blood Source). It’s a great cause that raises money for cancer. I just wanted to thank Matt for putting an event like this together.”

The event drew hundreds of fans and more than 20 athletes from various sports. Among the NBA players were Vince Carter, Trevor Ariza, Leon Powe, football’s Roger Craig, Corey Dillon, Adrian Ross, and plenty of Sacramento Kings notables like Chris Webber, Bobby Jackson, Scot Pollard, Brad Miller, Doug Christie and Harold Pressley.

The most popular autograph was fairly predictable — Webber.

The most outrageous was just as predictable for Kings fans. That honor belonged to Pollard, who was dressed in a psychedelic-colored shorts and matching shirt, and wore sandals and a black beret.

The outfit was reminiscent of his days in Sacramento, when Pollard wore his hair in a ponytail, Mohawk and also sported a shaved head. He was also known for his off-the-wall comments, most of them uttered in jest.

“Golf is a silly game, so I’m dressed appropriately,” said Pollard, who said this was only his third round of golf this year, all at charity events.

Yet Pollard, who flew in from Lawrence, Kan., for the weekend at his own expense, also revealed his mother is a three-time cancer survivor.

“This hits close to home,” he said.

Volunteer support came throughout the Roseville community, including several golf pros. Diamond Oaks head pro Scot Prenez coordinated the event for a second straight year, while Woodcreek pros Curtis Wood and Rob Frederick donated their time making sure the tournament ran smoothly as well.

Robyn Raphael of Roseville, who lost her son Keaton to childhood cancer, spent most of her day among a group of sponsor tents near the Woodcreek clubhouse. Her organization, the Keaton Raphael Memorial, which supports the fight against childhood cancer, was one of the groups receiving funds from the tournament.

“This is just wonderful to see, athletes coming out to raise money and awareness for cancer,” Rafael said. “This will be a huge benefit to our organization and the families that we help.”

One of the free food vendors was Chick-fil-A in Roseville. Chicken sandwiches and cold drinks were offered free to all players and tournament volunteers.

“This is a great community event that not only makes people smile, but raises money for a great cause,” franchise owner Ben Lavin said.

The cause is certainly personal to Barnes, who grew up in Sacramento and attended Del Campo High School. Ann Barnes lost her brief battle with cancer in November 2007 at age 50 with her family by her side. Ironically, one night later an emotionally drained Matt Barnes was helping the Golden State Warriors to an inspirational victory over the Kings at Arco Arena.

“Raising money for cancer awareness and cancer screening is obviously very important to me and something all the players know I’m passionate about,” said Barnes, who said Kings fans were teasing him about signing a free agent contact with the Lakers earlier in the week. “For them to give up an entire weekend of their time is very special.”

People were scattered about the Woodcreek course to receive an up-close view of the celebrity field. Although she traveled from Hayward and was doing work for Tres Agaves Tequila company, Alisha Guzman was like a lot of fans, seeking autographs and a little face time with the celebrities.

“I love that some of the kids with cancer are playing golf and driving with the players in the carts,” said Guzman, who held a basketball cluttered with autographs. “The players are all being really nice and I think it’s fun to see them in a different element and hear them say things like, ‘I’m playing like crap today.’ This isn’t their sport, but they’re out here because they want to help raise money for cancer.”