antz
2005-03-31, 09:47 PM
Wednesday, March 30
"LeBron reaches miniaturized immortality, Jerome James puts it together for one night and why Mo Pete’s jersey ended up in the crowd." Dime Magazine
"By the start of next season, he hopes to land a spot on an NBA roster. Williams said Houston and a few other teams have shown interest. “My body is feeling great,” Williams said. “I think it’s a matter of time. But I’m really taking my time. I don’t want to make a horrible mistake and come back too soon. I want to come back and kick some butt. “For me, I’m at a junction in my life. Basketball was taken away from me for a year and a half. But it’s been a blessing in disguise." Gary Post-Tribune
"League sources said the Magic were interested in point guards Kenny Anderson, a veteran released Friday by the L.A. Clippers; former Houston Rocket Andre Barrett; and Smush Parker and Derrick Zimmerman, both playing in the National Basketball Development League." Orlando Sentinel
"General Manager John Weisbrod told the Sentinel on Tuesday that he hopes the league will grant the Magic "a special exception based on the severity and the prognosis" of players already on the injured list. "We hope we're able to replace him," Weisbrod said. "We have only one point guard." Orlando Sentinel
"Gugliotta has made peace with the good and bad of a career that has had as many highs as lows. That's why he's decided his 13th NBA season — this season — will be his last. Well, maybe. "I went into this season thinking this was it," said Gugliotta, whose Hawks will take the floor against Washington Wednesday night at the MCI Center in the same town his NBA career began. "It's just the way I approached this whole thing, that I'd retire after this year and get one with the life." Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"Gugliotta isn't ready to profess himself available for another season; he's not ruling it out either. But if 15 games with the Hawks have done nothing else, they've reminded Gugliotta he can still play the game he loves the way he wants. Sure, he's not the 21-year-old monster he was. But he's still got game. Experience has also made Gugliotta wiser. He knows the odds are stacked against him returning with the Hawks, a team destined for more construction this summer, most likely with younger parts. "Teams in this league have this thing about going young. It's an epidemic," said Gugliotta, 35. "If you're not the future you're not the present. And that's just a fact. And to be honest, I like it the way it is now, me playing on year-to-year contracts. That way I can sit back and evaluate my options and then decide what I want to do." Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"Bryant also touched briefly on the perception that he has acted as the team's general manager. "I don't have to say anything on that issue," he said. "I trust [owner] Jerry Buss and [General Manager] Mitch Kupchak. I trust their track record. They've put together great teams in the past. All I want to do is come here and play basketball and have a good time with my teammates. That's all I want to do." Los Angeles Times
"Hamblen had another fire to put out Monday after Chucky Atkins said Kobe Bryant was the general manager of the team. Atkins backtracked at practice and blamed it on the media taking his words out of context. Hamblen said he spoke with Bryant and Atkins briefly and was content that the two put the situation behind them. "I think they get along pretty good, actually," Hamblen said. Hamblen said the past two days have been difficult on his team, but that the Lakers are getting through their problems." Riverside Press-Enterprise
"Hamblen said it isn't difficult to coach Bryant. "He's been just fine," Hamblen said. "I'm sure he's frustrated, because he's used to winning." Hamblen admitted that Bryant "sometimes" gets on his teammates too hard. "But a lot of the great ones have done that in the past," Hamblen said. Hamblen was around Michael Jordan in Chicago, and Jordan was known for being very demanding and very hard on his teammates." Riverside Press-Enterprise
"The strain of this season has taken a toll on Lakers interim coach Frank Hamblen. After the Lakers lost to the Denver Nuggets last Thursday, Hamblen said the Lakers were starting to erode his immune system. Rudy Tomjanovich resigned as Lakers coach because of health reasons. Now Hamblen, who likes to joke a lot, talked about how this season is weighing on him. "Well, it's better than Jenny Craig, I'll tell you that," Hamblen said, laughing. "There's no doubt it, it's hard. But it's a part of the business." Riverside Press-Enterprise
"Kirk Snyder's tongue-wagging visit Monday to the Houston Rockets bench has prompted more than a mere tongue-lashing from Jazz coach Jerry Sloan. Sloan on Tuesday said he will bench the rookie guard for tonight's Delta Center game against Denver as a result of his actions in Monday night's loss to the Rockets. It's believed Snyder will not be docked any pay, but it's uncertain whether or not he will dress for the game. Either way, the first-round draft choice from the University of Nevada will not play. "I don't think his conduct," Sloan said, "was good for basketball." Sloan made the call after watching on videotape Tuesday what Snyder, who started at shooting guard against Houston, did Monday." Deseret Morning News
"Sloan suggested he did not buy Snyder's assertion that he was reacting to a fan seated in the second row: "If you go watch it on film," he said, "he went right between those two coaches. And they were in the first row." Sloan also said he does not believe the notion that momentum carried Snyder to the bench area. "He was off-balance a little bit," he said, "but he wasn't that off-balance." The Jazz coach wants to see, and hear, less over-the-top emotion from the occasionally demonstrative Snyder. "In his case," Sloan said, "he talks a little bit too much in those situations. He's got to learn that we're not asking him to be a motor-mouth out there. "Just play basketball." Deseret Morning News
"A season that began with controversy and excitement ended in pain and disappointment. Carlos Boozer, the Jazz's highest-paid and most-anticipated free agent acquisition ever, will not play again this season, the team's trainer said Tuesday. The Jazz's starting power forward, who tonight will sit out his 20th game since injuring his right foot on Valentine's Day, has been ordered by his doctor to wear a protective boot over his right foot for at least three more weeks." Salt Lake Tribune
"After weeks of uncertainty, the Indiana Pacers finally got an answer on point guard Jamaal Tinsley's injured left foot Tuesday. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said a bone scan revealed a mid-foot sprain and a stretched ligament. "He's out for at least another two weeks, then we'll be able to give more information then," Carlisle said. Tinsley, who has spent the past week in New York seeing Dr. William Hamilton, will wear a walking boot to keep his foot stationary. The Pacers are happy to find out what has limited Tinsley to 42 minutes of action since he hurt the foot against Philadelphia on Jan. 31. But they aren't sure they'll have him even if they reach the playoffs. "We'd love to get Jamaal back, but at this point we have to assume it's going to be awhile if we get him back at all," Carlisle said." Indianapolis Star
"Argentine center Ruben Wolkowisky told sports daily Sovietsky Sport that he chose to sign with the Russian club Khimki, in the dreary Moscow suburb of the same name, after declining offers from NBA clubs. "I had a pretty good offer from the NBA," said Wolkowisky, who ProSport reported will earn $600,000 this year. "The Indiana Pacers wanted me. But Khimki offered me conditions that were even a little bit better." Moscow Times
"The lure of the beautiful people who frequent the South Beach area of Miami on a nightly basis is seen by some as a significant home-court advantage for the Heat. In other words, players from rival teams may stay out a little too late the night before games in Miami. However, O'Neal was not really buying that theory. "You have to say to yourself, there are two types of partying," Shaq said. "I don't drink, so I can listen to music and stay out all night and then come to work the next day. So you have to categorize what types of partying these guys are doing. When (other teams) come (to play the Heat in Miami) has nothing to do with the parties. It's about what we do as a team, and when we play like that, we're hard to beat." Toronto Sun
"After splitting the first two games of this five-game road trip, the Raptors arrived in Miami on Sunday to begin the two-day process of trying to prepare for the Heat, the run-away front-runners in the Eastern Conference. And it couldn't have been easy, what with the team having to rough it in the confines of the exclusive Mandarin Oriental, a sumptuous five-star hotel on Brickell Bay that has its own private guest beach with trucked-in sand. Actor Penelope Cruz, the Spanish enchantress, was a guest at the hotel while the Raptors were there, an unwelcome diversion for a team of young professional athletes trying to stay focused. The nightly rate of $825 (U.S.) is posted on the back of the hotel room doors and some of the guests were flabbergasted to learn that tequila purchased from the lobby bar was $30 a shot." Toronto Globe & Mail
"The Nuggets soon are expected to send out literature touting Karl for Coach of the Year, Camby for Defensive Player of the Year, Earl Boykins for the Sixth Man Award and Anthony for one of the All-NBA teams. "It's always great to be mentioned in categories like that, but I'm all about the team trying to win," Camby said." Rocky Mountain News
"Brown, 64, will miss his 10th straight game tonight when the Pistons play host to Sacramento and also will be sidelined Friday when they play host to the Clippers. After that, the picture is murky. "I want to get this thing settled," Brown said. "But my whole thing is, I don't know if you can coach and not be healthy. So that's the thing. "I don't want to keep everybody in limbo. I'm trying to get well. I came back too soon with the hip surgery, and I've been dealing with some things for 4 1/2 months that have been difficult for me. I want to try and get better." Detroit Free Press
"If Brown hadn't come to shoot-arounds or practices since his latest surgery, there would be reason to think he wouldn't return. Without question, his players want him back. "We miss coach," guard Chanucey Billups said. "He knows this team inside and out. Gar Heard has done a good job, but he wasn't with us last year. So he doesn't know this team like coach does." Detroit News
"Jeanie Buss, Phil Jackson's girlfriend, Lakers VP and daughter of owner Jerry Buss, said last night she "absolutely, yes" sees the Zen Master landing with the Knicks next season. In an interview by the Staples Center court before the Lakers hosted the Knicks, Buss spoke of the passion that Jackson — a member of the Knicks' two championship teams — still has for the Big Apple. "It was such a great time of his life," Buss told The Post. "I totally see him back in New York. We were talking about Bill Bradley a couple of hours ago." New York Post
"Asked if Jackson and Jeanie could be a package deal for the Knicks, she giggled and said, "Well, maybe if he gave me a ring I'd think of something like that. But I don't think our relationship will be like that. I don't think I can leave my family business." The Lakers executive admitted, though, that Jackson still could turn down all the jobs available because he seems unsure he wants to coach again." New York Post
"Kobe is not the reason Phil is not the Laker coach," she said. "The reason he's not the Laker coach is he had the opportunity to sign the extension and he waited. My father was coming to the conclusion he was going to trade Shaq. Kobe was a free agent and he had a coach who was noncommittal. He had to make a decision. Phil has always said Kobe is one of the best players, and any team with him can compete for a championship. I don't see it being a problem." New York Post
"However, while the Nets' chances of making the playoffs a fourth straight season are in jeopardy, their coach is not in danger of losing his job. Unless Phil Jackson shows serious interest in coaching the Nets this summer to Bruce Ratner - something one Nets source considers a longshot - Frank will continue to bark out plays on the Nets sidelines." New York Daily News
"While Flip Saunders and Phil Jackson are the names constantly floated as contenders to coach the Cavs next season, don't overlook another familiar name: former Golden State Warriors head coach (and Brecksville High standout) Eric Musselman, now a Memphis Grizzlies assistant. In 2002-03, Musselman led Golden State to its best season in years, but he was later undermined by pouting players Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Jason Richardson. Musselman's late father, Bill, had two stints as Cavs head coach during the 1980s." Cleveland Plain Dealer
"This isn't a money matter for Izzo. He could make more in the NBA, but MSU has already made him a wealthy man. It could be a competitive issue. It's one thing to go to the Hawks; another to coach LeBron James in Cleveland. Dan Gilbert, the new Cavaliers owner, is an MSU graduate and seemingly enamored with Izzo, despite the struggles of college coaches from Leonard Hamilton to Lon Kruger to Mike Montgomery in the NBA. The Pistons are a longer shot than some of the speculation, but they are a championship-caliber team." Daily Tribune
"There are simmering whispers that if the Cavs and longtime general manager Jim Paxson part ways after the season, ownership will work out an arrangement for Paxson to resign, rather than be fired." Cleveland Plain Dealer
"Howard Schultz of Starbucks Coffee heads an investment group that owns the SuperSonics. There was a nasty Internet report circulating that Starbucks declined to send their coffee to troops in Iraq who specifically asked for it. How much truth is there to that rumor? Dennis Johnson: Oh, that I do not know. I would never comment on anything I don't know about. I'm not going to say if I even have or haven't heard about it. When I go on the Internet, I'm not paying attention to coffee. SI.com: What do look for on the Internet? Dennis Johnson: All I am is a sports guy. I go on NBA.com, the CBA, NBDL, HoopsHype.com." SI.com
"Suns owner Robert Sarver caused a commotion as he argued with a fan during the game. The fan was later ejected." Denver Post
"Suns owner Robert Sarver had three Rockies players removed from Monday night's Nuggets game at America West Arena after a verbal commotion. Pitchers Javy Lopez, Brian Fuentes and Shawn Chacon were asked to leave before the game's conclusion. Reached Tuesday, George Bevans, the arena's head of security, cited the league's new strict code of conduct policy for the players' removal. Outfielder Matt Holliday also attended the game and defended his teammates. "(Sarver) was the one who acted unprofessionally. He was the one who cursed twice and was saying, 'This is my house and I can have you kicked out,"' Holliday said. "I can tell you that none of the players used profanity." Denver Post
"While Arizona businessman Reggie Fowler continues to try to raise enough capital to become general partner of the Vikings, billionaire Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor remains ready to negotiate with Vikings owner Red McCombs if Fowler's bid falls through. Asked Monday if Taylor and his investors still are committed to buying the Vikings if they receive an opportunity, Taylor said yes." St. Paul Pioneer Press
"All these UNC guys get a lot of love, but I don't feel qualified to speak on them. The guards -- McCants and Felton -- can both score, but neither of them plays NBA-level defense. Our man Marvin Williams has gotten a ton of love of late, but I don't know that he'll leave this year. He should, and I've heard from a few sources that he's definitely out, but I've also heard that he ain't going nowhere. He reminds me of a more polished Al Harrington, and I think he'll develop faster." Slam
"Point guard T.J. Parker will not return to the Northwestern basketball team for his senior season and plans to begin a professional career, he said Tuesday. "I got an option I can take, and I just don't feel like coming back and playing college basketball next year," Parker said. "I was just thinking about it for a long time." Parker said he planned to hire his brother's agent, Marc Fleisher, and explore his options, including playing in the NBA or Europe. Parker said he will withdraw from school this week and move to San Antonio to train." Daily Northwestern
"He said he's going to go work out for the rest of the year and if no NBA teams are interested, then he'll go back to Europe," junior forward Vedran Vukusic said. Parker, who completed his third season at NU, said he decided while visiting his older brother, San Antonio Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) guard Tony Parker (http://www.chinaspurs.com/players/tony_parker), during spring break. "I told all my teammates," he said. "I talked to all of them. I let them know how I was feeling. I'm not leaving on a bad note. I don't regret what I did at Northwestern." Daily Northwestern
"Fleisher said Parker has not signed a contract with his company. If Parker signs with an agent, he will be ineligible to return to NU. "I told him the last time I spoke to him to think about it because it is a considerable move," Fleisher said. "I told him about testing the waters professionally and not hiring an agent." Parker told NU coach Bill Carmody last week, but he said he never broached the subject with his coach or teammates during the season." Daily Northwestern
"T.J. Parker said his brother endorsed the early departure, while his father advocated playing one more season at Northwestern. “This is totally T.J.’s decision,” Tony Parker (http://www.chinaspurs.com/players/tony_parker) Sr. said. “What can I say? Kids make decisions, they think things over, they’re young adults and they can make choices. “With T.J. in two months’ time reaching his 21st birthday, I don’t think it’s for me to tell him what to do or what not to do." Arlington Heights Daily Herald
"Dora Mejia urged her son to return to UConn for his junior season. Charlie Villanueva has always listened to his mother, but this time he decided to follow his heart. It will lead him to the NBA. Villanueva announced Tuesday that he will forego his final two seasons at UConn to make himself eligible for the 2005 NBA Draft. Villanueva, surrounded by family members, teammates and the UConn coaching staff, made his decision official during a press conference at Gampel Pavilion. "Today is a very special day for me," he said. "It's a hard day. It's a sad day and a happy day for me. It's a happy day for me because I am moving on to my next stage in life and I'm ready to face the challenge." Record-Journal
"But Calhoun said that Dora Mejia is a main reason why Villanueva will make the jump. She was injured in a freak accident in the fall, when she was struck by a truck while waiting for a bus in New York City. "My mom, she's been in that accident," Villanueva told Calhoun Monday. "She's even talking about eventually going back to work. I don't want her to go back to work. She's been through too much.'" "It's very difficult to have an answer to that one," Calhoun conceded." Record-Journal
"UConn sophomore Charlie Villanueva, who made himself eligible for the NBA Draft Tuesday, is the only Husky expected to leave early. Sophomore point guard Marcus Williams (9.6 points per game), sophomore center Josh Boone (12.4) and freshman forward Rudy Gay (11.8) are all staying put, Calhoun said Tuesday. "Rudy was in my office (Monday) and said, ‘You know I'm not going anywhere,'" Calhoun said. "I said, ‘I didn't think you were.' He wanted to reassure me that he's not going anywhere. I've talked to his mom. I sent him home this weekend. I wanted to make sure everybody is on the same page. He has no inclination of going any place. Marcus has no inclination of going any place and Josh has no inclination of going any place. Josh came in and said, ‘I'm not ready. I have to get better offensively.'" Record-Journal
"Adam Morrison, the Gonzaga sophomore forward who had a remarkable stretch run, said last night he will return to GU for his junior year. Morrison had been the subject of conjecture about becoming Gonzaga's earliest jump to the NBA after he had a blistering finish to the season, culminating with 52 points in two games of the NCAA tournament. The Zags beat Winthrop but bowed out with a 71-69 loss to Texas Tech in the second round." Seattle Times
"Yet when Green thinks of the future, he sees the orange of OSU, not the green of the NBA. “I’m not worried about the NBA,” he said. “I don’t care about all that stuff. “It’s not even on my mind.” Green is set to become a Cowboy. Despite reports to the contrary, he says he has met the NCAA’s academic requirements. He twice took the SAT, the last time in the fall. At that time, he received a score that when paired with his grade-point average qualified him." Oklahoma City Oklahoman
"Gerald had a solid, but not spectacular practice. He did a little but of everything, but nothing extraordinarily well. He knocked down a few threes, had one nice pass that I saw off of a drive, and did a pretty good job on defense. One NBA scout I spoke with had this to say in regards to Green: “The kid is a sure fire lottery pick if he declares. He is oozing with potential." DraftCity.com
"For Ellis, who is contemplating whether to attend Mississippi State or enter the NBA draft, the last three days apparently have done nothing to lower his stock. Gibbons said he's hearing Ellis — who was particularly impressive in Tuesday morning's 2-hour practice — could be the first high school player picked should he declare for the June 28 draft." Jackson Clarion-Ledger
"One NBA assistant general manager who was in the bleachers wouldn't go that far, but he was impressed with Ellis, a 6-foot-3 guard who averaged more than 38 points as a senior for nationally ranked Lanier."I don't want to nitpick and say where exactly he'd fall, but he's definitely in the upper-echelon here," the assistant GM said. "One of the nice things about Monta is that he is a very steady player. He seems like he's a steady kid. There's a predictability about him, which is rare for a high school guy. He kind of plays the same way every time he steps on the floor." Jackson Clarion-Ledger
"Louis played shooting guard in today’s practice as Eric Devendorf and Greg Paulus took the majority of the ball handling duties. He showed NBA range on his jump shot, but he needs more lift and needs to work on the mechanics of his shot. Williams also threw down a few impressive dunks off of the lob passes. I’m still not really sold on Louis as a point guard, and neither was the NBA scout that I spoke with: “Neither of those kids can play point guard [Williams and Ellis]." DraftCity.com
"While deciding about bypassing college — which he told Georgia coach Dennis Felton was "a major possibility" — Williams has been treated as conquering hero all about town in a series of activities, along with his McDonald's teammates. It all leads up to Wednesday's 8 p.m. nationally-televised East-West all-star game at Notre Dame's Joyce Center. It also might be the last time this year's Naismith Award winner — the honor for the nation's top high school player — sets foot on a college court. "[Felton] knows there's a major possibility I won't be there if everything goes to plan," Williams said following Tuesday's practice." Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"C.J. was forced to play point guard today for a while, and it was clear that he was not comfortable, nor skilled enough to handle those duties. The lefty wing who will be attending Texas showed a nice shot, adequate handle for a WG, and good athleticism. It must be noted that there have been rumors that C.J. is considering entering the NBA draft. In my opinion, C.J. has no business considering entering the draft as he has too many holes in his game. Hopefully he has the right people advising him on his future decisions." DraftCity.com
"At least one NBA executive believes Illinois junior Deron Williams improved his stock as a draft prospect with his performance Saturday against Arizona, and he believes Williams can end up as a lottery pick. ''He did help himself,'' the source said on the condition of anonymity. ''He played well and defended [Salim] Stoudamire well." Chicago Sun-Times
"A lot of people really like him, and a lot of people don't,'' the executive said. ''What he is is a real skilled guard who people refer to as a pass-first point guard. He has the ability to score and shot the ball well this weekend, but he did not shoot like that during the year. But he had 11 assists against Wake Forest." Chicago Sun-Times
"Although sophomore Guillermo Diaz said he's returning to UM, several NBA people won't be surprised if he changes his mind. If he came out, he probably would go in the 20s in the first round, two NBA officials said. One scout said UF forward David Lee could crack the first round, but point guard Anthony Roberson would be a second-rounder if he leaves school." Miami Herald
"Syracuse forward Hakim Warrick, the Big East Conference Player of the Year, signed with BDA Sports Management to represent him as he prepares for the NBA draft." Arizona Republic
"Three years ago, many scouts thought Darius Rice would be a terrific pro, with James Jones a borderline prospect. And now? While Jones contributes to the Indiana Pacers, Rice toils in Fort Myers for the NBDL's Dennis Johnson-coached Florida Flame, averaging 10.5 points and shooting 40.2 percent. Undrafted in June, Rice was cut by the Nets in training camp. One Eastern Conference scout said he doubts Rice ever will play in the NBA. The scout said Rice remains a one-dimensional ``stand still jump shooter." Miami Herald
"LeBron reaches miniaturized immortality, Jerome James puts it together for one night and why Mo Pete’s jersey ended up in the crowd." Dime Magazine
"By the start of next season, he hopes to land a spot on an NBA roster. Williams said Houston and a few other teams have shown interest. “My body is feeling great,” Williams said. “I think it’s a matter of time. But I’m really taking my time. I don’t want to make a horrible mistake and come back too soon. I want to come back and kick some butt. “For me, I’m at a junction in my life. Basketball was taken away from me for a year and a half. But it’s been a blessing in disguise." Gary Post-Tribune
"League sources said the Magic were interested in point guards Kenny Anderson, a veteran released Friday by the L.A. Clippers; former Houston Rocket Andre Barrett; and Smush Parker and Derrick Zimmerman, both playing in the National Basketball Development League." Orlando Sentinel
"General Manager John Weisbrod told the Sentinel on Tuesday that he hopes the league will grant the Magic "a special exception based on the severity and the prognosis" of players already on the injured list. "We hope we're able to replace him," Weisbrod said. "We have only one point guard." Orlando Sentinel
"Gugliotta has made peace with the good and bad of a career that has had as many highs as lows. That's why he's decided his 13th NBA season — this season — will be his last. Well, maybe. "I went into this season thinking this was it," said Gugliotta, whose Hawks will take the floor against Washington Wednesday night at the MCI Center in the same town his NBA career began. "It's just the way I approached this whole thing, that I'd retire after this year and get one with the life." Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"Gugliotta isn't ready to profess himself available for another season; he's not ruling it out either. But if 15 games with the Hawks have done nothing else, they've reminded Gugliotta he can still play the game he loves the way he wants. Sure, he's not the 21-year-old monster he was. But he's still got game. Experience has also made Gugliotta wiser. He knows the odds are stacked against him returning with the Hawks, a team destined for more construction this summer, most likely with younger parts. "Teams in this league have this thing about going young. It's an epidemic," said Gugliotta, 35. "If you're not the future you're not the present. And that's just a fact. And to be honest, I like it the way it is now, me playing on year-to-year contracts. That way I can sit back and evaluate my options and then decide what I want to do." Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"Bryant also touched briefly on the perception that he has acted as the team's general manager. "I don't have to say anything on that issue," he said. "I trust [owner] Jerry Buss and [General Manager] Mitch Kupchak. I trust their track record. They've put together great teams in the past. All I want to do is come here and play basketball and have a good time with my teammates. That's all I want to do." Los Angeles Times
"Hamblen had another fire to put out Monday after Chucky Atkins said Kobe Bryant was the general manager of the team. Atkins backtracked at practice and blamed it on the media taking his words out of context. Hamblen said he spoke with Bryant and Atkins briefly and was content that the two put the situation behind them. "I think they get along pretty good, actually," Hamblen said. Hamblen said the past two days have been difficult on his team, but that the Lakers are getting through their problems." Riverside Press-Enterprise
"Hamblen said it isn't difficult to coach Bryant. "He's been just fine," Hamblen said. "I'm sure he's frustrated, because he's used to winning." Hamblen admitted that Bryant "sometimes" gets on his teammates too hard. "But a lot of the great ones have done that in the past," Hamblen said. Hamblen was around Michael Jordan in Chicago, and Jordan was known for being very demanding and very hard on his teammates." Riverside Press-Enterprise
"The strain of this season has taken a toll on Lakers interim coach Frank Hamblen. After the Lakers lost to the Denver Nuggets last Thursday, Hamblen said the Lakers were starting to erode his immune system. Rudy Tomjanovich resigned as Lakers coach because of health reasons. Now Hamblen, who likes to joke a lot, talked about how this season is weighing on him. "Well, it's better than Jenny Craig, I'll tell you that," Hamblen said, laughing. "There's no doubt it, it's hard. But it's a part of the business." Riverside Press-Enterprise
"Kirk Snyder's tongue-wagging visit Monday to the Houston Rockets bench has prompted more than a mere tongue-lashing from Jazz coach Jerry Sloan. Sloan on Tuesday said he will bench the rookie guard for tonight's Delta Center game against Denver as a result of his actions in Monday night's loss to the Rockets. It's believed Snyder will not be docked any pay, but it's uncertain whether or not he will dress for the game. Either way, the first-round draft choice from the University of Nevada will not play. "I don't think his conduct," Sloan said, "was good for basketball." Sloan made the call after watching on videotape Tuesday what Snyder, who started at shooting guard against Houston, did Monday." Deseret Morning News
"Sloan suggested he did not buy Snyder's assertion that he was reacting to a fan seated in the second row: "If you go watch it on film," he said, "he went right between those two coaches. And they were in the first row." Sloan also said he does not believe the notion that momentum carried Snyder to the bench area. "He was off-balance a little bit," he said, "but he wasn't that off-balance." The Jazz coach wants to see, and hear, less over-the-top emotion from the occasionally demonstrative Snyder. "In his case," Sloan said, "he talks a little bit too much in those situations. He's got to learn that we're not asking him to be a motor-mouth out there. "Just play basketball." Deseret Morning News
"A season that began with controversy and excitement ended in pain and disappointment. Carlos Boozer, the Jazz's highest-paid and most-anticipated free agent acquisition ever, will not play again this season, the team's trainer said Tuesday. The Jazz's starting power forward, who tonight will sit out his 20th game since injuring his right foot on Valentine's Day, has been ordered by his doctor to wear a protective boot over his right foot for at least three more weeks." Salt Lake Tribune
"After weeks of uncertainty, the Indiana Pacers finally got an answer on point guard Jamaal Tinsley's injured left foot Tuesday. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said a bone scan revealed a mid-foot sprain and a stretched ligament. "He's out for at least another two weeks, then we'll be able to give more information then," Carlisle said. Tinsley, who has spent the past week in New York seeing Dr. William Hamilton, will wear a walking boot to keep his foot stationary. The Pacers are happy to find out what has limited Tinsley to 42 minutes of action since he hurt the foot against Philadelphia on Jan. 31. But they aren't sure they'll have him even if they reach the playoffs. "We'd love to get Jamaal back, but at this point we have to assume it's going to be awhile if we get him back at all," Carlisle said." Indianapolis Star
"Argentine center Ruben Wolkowisky told sports daily Sovietsky Sport that he chose to sign with the Russian club Khimki, in the dreary Moscow suburb of the same name, after declining offers from NBA clubs. "I had a pretty good offer from the NBA," said Wolkowisky, who ProSport reported will earn $600,000 this year. "The Indiana Pacers wanted me. But Khimki offered me conditions that were even a little bit better." Moscow Times
"The lure of the beautiful people who frequent the South Beach area of Miami on a nightly basis is seen by some as a significant home-court advantage for the Heat. In other words, players from rival teams may stay out a little too late the night before games in Miami. However, O'Neal was not really buying that theory. "You have to say to yourself, there are two types of partying," Shaq said. "I don't drink, so I can listen to music and stay out all night and then come to work the next day. So you have to categorize what types of partying these guys are doing. When (other teams) come (to play the Heat in Miami) has nothing to do with the parties. It's about what we do as a team, and when we play like that, we're hard to beat." Toronto Sun
"After splitting the first two games of this five-game road trip, the Raptors arrived in Miami on Sunday to begin the two-day process of trying to prepare for the Heat, the run-away front-runners in the Eastern Conference. And it couldn't have been easy, what with the team having to rough it in the confines of the exclusive Mandarin Oriental, a sumptuous five-star hotel on Brickell Bay that has its own private guest beach with trucked-in sand. Actor Penelope Cruz, the Spanish enchantress, was a guest at the hotel while the Raptors were there, an unwelcome diversion for a team of young professional athletes trying to stay focused. The nightly rate of $825 (U.S.) is posted on the back of the hotel room doors and some of the guests were flabbergasted to learn that tequila purchased from the lobby bar was $30 a shot." Toronto Globe & Mail
"The Nuggets soon are expected to send out literature touting Karl for Coach of the Year, Camby for Defensive Player of the Year, Earl Boykins for the Sixth Man Award and Anthony for one of the All-NBA teams. "It's always great to be mentioned in categories like that, but I'm all about the team trying to win," Camby said." Rocky Mountain News
"Brown, 64, will miss his 10th straight game tonight when the Pistons play host to Sacramento and also will be sidelined Friday when they play host to the Clippers. After that, the picture is murky. "I want to get this thing settled," Brown said. "But my whole thing is, I don't know if you can coach and not be healthy. So that's the thing. "I don't want to keep everybody in limbo. I'm trying to get well. I came back too soon with the hip surgery, and I've been dealing with some things for 4 1/2 months that have been difficult for me. I want to try and get better." Detroit Free Press
"If Brown hadn't come to shoot-arounds or practices since his latest surgery, there would be reason to think he wouldn't return. Without question, his players want him back. "We miss coach," guard Chanucey Billups said. "He knows this team inside and out. Gar Heard has done a good job, but he wasn't with us last year. So he doesn't know this team like coach does." Detroit News
"Jeanie Buss, Phil Jackson's girlfriend, Lakers VP and daughter of owner Jerry Buss, said last night she "absolutely, yes" sees the Zen Master landing with the Knicks next season. In an interview by the Staples Center court before the Lakers hosted the Knicks, Buss spoke of the passion that Jackson — a member of the Knicks' two championship teams — still has for the Big Apple. "It was such a great time of his life," Buss told The Post. "I totally see him back in New York. We were talking about Bill Bradley a couple of hours ago." New York Post
"Asked if Jackson and Jeanie could be a package deal for the Knicks, she giggled and said, "Well, maybe if he gave me a ring I'd think of something like that. But I don't think our relationship will be like that. I don't think I can leave my family business." The Lakers executive admitted, though, that Jackson still could turn down all the jobs available because he seems unsure he wants to coach again." New York Post
"Kobe is not the reason Phil is not the Laker coach," she said. "The reason he's not the Laker coach is he had the opportunity to sign the extension and he waited. My father was coming to the conclusion he was going to trade Shaq. Kobe was a free agent and he had a coach who was noncommittal. He had to make a decision. Phil has always said Kobe is one of the best players, and any team with him can compete for a championship. I don't see it being a problem." New York Post
"However, while the Nets' chances of making the playoffs a fourth straight season are in jeopardy, their coach is not in danger of losing his job. Unless Phil Jackson shows serious interest in coaching the Nets this summer to Bruce Ratner - something one Nets source considers a longshot - Frank will continue to bark out plays on the Nets sidelines." New York Daily News
"While Flip Saunders and Phil Jackson are the names constantly floated as contenders to coach the Cavs next season, don't overlook another familiar name: former Golden State Warriors head coach (and Brecksville High standout) Eric Musselman, now a Memphis Grizzlies assistant. In 2002-03, Musselman led Golden State to its best season in years, but he was later undermined by pouting players Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Jason Richardson. Musselman's late father, Bill, had two stints as Cavs head coach during the 1980s." Cleveland Plain Dealer
"This isn't a money matter for Izzo. He could make more in the NBA, but MSU has already made him a wealthy man. It could be a competitive issue. It's one thing to go to the Hawks; another to coach LeBron James in Cleveland. Dan Gilbert, the new Cavaliers owner, is an MSU graduate and seemingly enamored with Izzo, despite the struggles of college coaches from Leonard Hamilton to Lon Kruger to Mike Montgomery in the NBA. The Pistons are a longer shot than some of the speculation, but they are a championship-caliber team." Daily Tribune
"There are simmering whispers that if the Cavs and longtime general manager Jim Paxson part ways after the season, ownership will work out an arrangement for Paxson to resign, rather than be fired." Cleveland Plain Dealer
"Howard Schultz of Starbucks Coffee heads an investment group that owns the SuperSonics. There was a nasty Internet report circulating that Starbucks declined to send their coffee to troops in Iraq who specifically asked for it. How much truth is there to that rumor? Dennis Johnson: Oh, that I do not know. I would never comment on anything I don't know about. I'm not going to say if I even have or haven't heard about it. When I go on the Internet, I'm not paying attention to coffee. SI.com: What do look for on the Internet? Dennis Johnson: All I am is a sports guy. I go on NBA.com, the CBA, NBDL, HoopsHype.com." SI.com
"Suns owner Robert Sarver caused a commotion as he argued with a fan during the game. The fan was later ejected." Denver Post
"Suns owner Robert Sarver had three Rockies players removed from Monday night's Nuggets game at America West Arena after a verbal commotion. Pitchers Javy Lopez, Brian Fuentes and Shawn Chacon were asked to leave before the game's conclusion. Reached Tuesday, George Bevans, the arena's head of security, cited the league's new strict code of conduct policy for the players' removal. Outfielder Matt Holliday also attended the game and defended his teammates. "(Sarver) was the one who acted unprofessionally. He was the one who cursed twice and was saying, 'This is my house and I can have you kicked out,"' Holliday said. "I can tell you that none of the players used profanity." Denver Post
"While Arizona businessman Reggie Fowler continues to try to raise enough capital to become general partner of the Vikings, billionaire Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor remains ready to negotiate with Vikings owner Red McCombs if Fowler's bid falls through. Asked Monday if Taylor and his investors still are committed to buying the Vikings if they receive an opportunity, Taylor said yes." St. Paul Pioneer Press
"All these UNC guys get a lot of love, but I don't feel qualified to speak on them. The guards -- McCants and Felton -- can both score, but neither of them plays NBA-level defense. Our man Marvin Williams has gotten a ton of love of late, but I don't know that he'll leave this year. He should, and I've heard from a few sources that he's definitely out, but I've also heard that he ain't going nowhere. He reminds me of a more polished Al Harrington, and I think he'll develop faster." Slam
"Point guard T.J. Parker will not return to the Northwestern basketball team for his senior season and plans to begin a professional career, he said Tuesday. "I got an option I can take, and I just don't feel like coming back and playing college basketball next year," Parker said. "I was just thinking about it for a long time." Parker said he planned to hire his brother's agent, Marc Fleisher, and explore his options, including playing in the NBA or Europe. Parker said he will withdraw from school this week and move to San Antonio to train." Daily Northwestern
"He said he's going to go work out for the rest of the year and if no NBA teams are interested, then he'll go back to Europe," junior forward Vedran Vukusic said. Parker, who completed his third season at NU, said he decided while visiting his older brother, San Antonio Spurs (http://www.chinaspurs.com) guard Tony Parker (http://www.chinaspurs.com/players/tony_parker), during spring break. "I told all my teammates," he said. "I talked to all of them. I let them know how I was feeling. I'm not leaving on a bad note. I don't regret what I did at Northwestern." Daily Northwestern
"Fleisher said Parker has not signed a contract with his company. If Parker signs with an agent, he will be ineligible to return to NU. "I told him the last time I spoke to him to think about it because it is a considerable move," Fleisher said. "I told him about testing the waters professionally and not hiring an agent." Parker told NU coach Bill Carmody last week, but he said he never broached the subject with his coach or teammates during the season." Daily Northwestern
"T.J. Parker said his brother endorsed the early departure, while his father advocated playing one more season at Northwestern. “This is totally T.J.’s decision,” Tony Parker (http://www.chinaspurs.com/players/tony_parker) Sr. said. “What can I say? Kids make decisions, they think things over, they’re young adults and they can make choices. “With T.J. in two months’ time reaching his 21st birthday, I don’t think it’s for me to tell him what to do or what not to do." Arlington Heights Daily Herald
"Dora Mejia urged her son to return to UConn for his junior season. Charlie Villanueva has always listened to his mother, but this time he decided to follow his heart. It will lead him to the NBA. Villanueva announced Tuesday that he will forego his final two seasons at UConn to make himself eligible for the 2005 NBA Draft. Villanueva, surrounded by family members, teammates and the UConn coaching staff, made his decision official during a press conference at Gampel Pavilion. "Today is a very special day for me," he said. "It's a hard day. It's a sad day and a happy day for me. It's a happy day for me because I am moving on to my next stage in life and I'm ready to face the challenge." Record-Journal
"But Calhoun said that Dora Mejia is a main reason why Villanueva will make the jump. She was injured in a freak accident in the fall, when she was struck by a truck while waiting for a bus in New York City. "My mom, she's been in that accident," Villanueva told Calhoun Monday. "She's even talking about eventually going back to work. I don't want her to go back to work. She's been through too much.'" "It's very difficult to have an answer to that one," Calhoun conceded." Record-Journal
"UConn sophomore Charlie Villanueva, who made himself eligible for the NBA Draft Tuesday, is the only Husky expected to leave early. Sophomore point guard Marcus Williams (9.6 points per game), sophomore center Josh Boone (12.4) and freshman forward Rudy Gay (11.8) are all staying put, Calhoun said Tuesday. "Rudy was in my office (Monday) and said, ‘You know I'm not going anywhere,'" Calhoun said. "I said, ‘I didn't think you were.' He wanted to reassure me that he's not going anywhere. I've talked to his mom. I sent him home this weekend. I wanted to make sure everybody is on the same page. He has no inclination of going any place. Marcus has no inclination of going any place and Josh has no inclination of going any place. Josh came in and said, ‘I'm not ready. I have to get better offensively.'" Record-Journal
"Adam Morrison, the Gonzaga sophomore forward who had a remarkable stretch run, said last night he will return to GU for his junior year. Morrison had been the subject of conjecture about becoming Gonzaga's earliest jump to the NBA after he had a blistering finish to the season, culminating with 52 points in two games of the NCAA tournament. The Zags beat Winthrop but bowed out with a 71-69 loss to Texas Tech in the second round." Seattle Times
"Yet when Green thinks of the future, he sees the orange of OSU, not the green of the NBA. “I’m not worried about the NBA,” he said. “I don’t care about all that stuff. “It’s not even on my mind.” Green is set to become a Cowboy. Despite reports to the contrary, he says he has met the NCAA’s academic requirements. He twice took the SAT, the last time in the fall. At that time, he received a score that when paired with his grade-point average qualified him." Oklahoma City Oklahoman
"Gerald had a solid, but not spectacular practice. He did a little but of everything, but nothing extraordinarily well. He knocked down a few threes, had one nice pass that I saw off of a drive, and did a pretty good job on defense. One NBA scout I spoke with had this to say in regards to Green: “The kid is a sure fire lottery pick if he declares. He is oozing with potential." DraftCity.com
"For Ellis, who is contemplating whether to attend Mississippi State or enter the NBA draft, the last three days apparently have done nothing to lower his stock. Gibbons said he's hearing Ellis — who was particularly impressive in Tuesday morning's 2-hour practice — could be the first high school player picked should he declare for the June 28 draft." Jackson Clarion-Ledger
"One NBA assistant general manager who was in the bleachers wouldn't go that far, but he was impressed with Ellis, a 6-foot-3 guard who averaged more than 38 points as a senior for nationally ranked Lanier."I don't want to nitpick and say where exactly he'd fall, but he's definitely in the upper-echelon here," the assistant GM said. "One of the nice things about Monta is that he is a very steady player. He seems like he's a steady kid. There's a predictability about him, which is rare for a high school guy. He kind of plays the same way every time he steps on the floor." Jackson Clarion-Ledger
"Louis played shooting guard in today’s practice as Eric Devendorf and Greg Paulus took the majority of the ball handling duties. He showed NBA range on his jump shot, but he needs more lift and needs to work on the mechanics of his shot. Williams also threw down a few impressive dunks off of the lob passes. I’m still not really sold on Louis as a point guard, and neither was the NBA scout that I spoke with: “Neither of those kids can play point guard [Williams and Ellis]." DraftCity.com
"While deciding about bypassing college — which he told Georgia coach Dennis Felton was "a major possibility" — Williams has been treated as conquering hero all about town in a series of activities, along with his McDonald's teammates. It all leads up to Wednesday's 8 p.m. nationally-televised East-West all-star game at Notre Dame's Joyce Center. It also might be the last time this year's Naismith Award winner — the honor for the nation's top high school player — sets foot on a college court. "[Felton] knows there's a major possibility I won't be there if everything goes to plan," Williams said following Tuesday's practice." Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"C.J. was forced to play point guard today for a while, and it was clear that he was not comfortable, nor skilled enough to handle those duties. The lefty wing who will be attending Texas showed a nice shot, adequate handle for a WG, and good athleticism. It must be noted that there have been rumors that C.J. is considering entering the NBA draft. In my opinion, C.J. has no business considering entering the draft as he has too many holes in his game. Hopefully he has the right people advising him on his future decisions." DraftCity.com
"At least one NBA executive believes Illinois junior Deron Williams improved his stock as a draft prospect with his performance Saturday against Arizona, and he believes Williams can end up as a lottery pick. ''He did help himself,'' the source said on the condition of anonymity. ''He played well and defended [Salim] Stoudamire well." Chicago Sun-Times
"A lot of people really like him, and a lot of people don't,'' the executive said. ''What he is is a real skilled guard who people refer to as a pass-first point guard. He has the ability to score and shot the ball well this weekend, but he did not shoot like that during the year. But he had 11 assists against Wake Forest." Chicago Sun-Times
"Although sophomore Guillermo Diaz said he's returning to UM, several NBA people won't be surprised if he changes his mind. If he came out, he probably would go in the 20s in the first round, two NBA officials said. One scout said UF forward David Lee could crack the first round, but point guard Anthony Roberson would be a second-rounder if he leaves school." Miami Herald
"Syracuse forward Hakim Warrick, the Big East Conference Player of the Year, signed with BDA Sports Management to represent him as he prepares for the NBA draft." Arizona Republic
"Three years ago, many scouts thought Darius Rice would be a terrific pro, with James Jones a borderline prospect. And now? While Jones contributes to the Indiana Pacers, Rice toils in Fort Myers for the NBDL's Dennis Johnson-coached Florida Flame, averaging 10.5 points and shooting 40.2 percent. Undrafted in June, Rice was cut by the Nets in training camp. One Eastern Conference scout said he doubts Rice ever will play in the NBA. The scout said Rice remains a one-dimensional ``stand still jump shooter." Miami Herald