Off The Glass

Breeze talks about Coastal Carolina, Appalachian State and more

Anthony Breeze last year was a bright spot on a Coastal Carolina team that had few high points. However, in the offseason the big man decided to transfer to Appalachian State, where the coach who brought him to Coastal Carolina is now running things. That would be former Coastal coach Buzz Peterson. Breeze, who is currently sitting out because of transfer rules, was willing to take a few minutes to talk about his status with Appalachian State, his game and even touched on Coastal Carolina some earlier this week.

Q | Is it killing you to have to sit and watch? What goes through your head during games, not being able to get in there? It's gotta be tough.

Anthony | Yeah, it really is. It's very hard just watching the guys I practice with every day and sweat with and not be able to suit up with them when it's game time.

Q | You were a key player at Coastal as a freshman. What role is Appalachian State expecting of you when you can get some game time next year? Any idea at this point?

Anthony | I really have no idea. I just keep my mind on working hard this year, [knowing] that i have to get better and focus on the time that I have now. I kinda let the Coastal thing lay just where it is - in the past. I would love to be that guy that just does the little things for the team to win.

Q | What is it about Buzz Peterson that made you want to reconnect with him? He's obviously a great basketball guy.

Anthony | I have always wanted to play for a coach like Coach P ... he was the whole reason I ended up at Coastal and he's the whole reason I am at App State now. I feel I can give him all that I have to offer. Playing for a coach like him is what every athlete should experience.

Q | So what are you working on mostly to get ready for next year or even this year as far as helping from the sidelines?

Anthony | Well, I'm expanding my game in all aspects of the game, but what I want to stand out [on] the most is my ability to face up to the basket better and handle the ball and my [defense].

Q | Joseph Harris returned to Coastal and is off to a strong start. You guys keep in touch?

Anthony | Oh yeah, we do. That's my best friend. I truly feel that's a lifetime relationship - it's bigger than basketball.

Q | What are your thoughts on Harris' play so far?

Anthony | I'm happy for him, but I always knew that's [what] he would do. It wasn't a surprise to me at all. I just laugh because he is so far under the radar.

The question not worth the "Answer," but say thanks anyway

Some folks are wondering why Allen Iverson decided to call it quits Wednesday night. And why not?

He can still play. Getting traded to Detroit destroyed his "image." Like I've said before, the guy may never win an NBA title - especially since he won't consider being a role player, at least at this point - but he is still a top-50 player in this league.

He isn't a bench player yet. He is still good enough to be a marquee guy, just maybe not "the guy." And I think he was OK with that in Denver with Melo. Then they traded Iverson, but who could blame them when they got Chauncey Billups? So, in a matter of minutes AI became a bench player? Uhh, no. He was only asked to come off the bench in Detroit because of their personnel - see Rip Hamilton and a soon-to-be rebuilding team. Same thing with Memphis. O.J. Mayo has to be their 2-guard. They're thinking future. Signing AI really made no sense anyway.

The big BUT: Why did no teams on the fringe decide to bring Iverson in? The answer: The Sprite commercial no longer applies. It said "Image is nothing, thirst is everything." He's thirsty, but teams are thinking of his image - one distorted by a midseason trade.

I don't blame AI. Coming off the bench to him RIGHT NOW is a disrespectful move. Playing for Memphis was too. Especially coming off the bench in Memphis!

Antonio McDyess is starting in San Antonio, and he's a guy who became a role player way too early in his career. But his skills kept him around. AI has not hit that threshold where he can't be more than a role player yet. And he may not last as a role player for a long time like McDyess, who came in as a high-flyer when he was young. AI doesn't have that ability to adapt.

AI just doesn't have the makeup of a role player. And probably never will. There will come a time when he can't do what he's been doing. He's like 6-foot - and that will catch up to him.

But it hasn't yet.

There's some bad, bad teams out there. And it's easy to see who is rebuilding. Those teams that aren't - and may be a fringe playoff team - might want to add a future Hall of Famer.

A matter of minutes. Hmm, that's always what can define a playoff team versus a non-playoff team. It's not too late for some teams, but the best free agent of all time may be out there.

It's not that hard to find an "Answer." I don't think it's a rhetorical question.

While I don't think this is it for AI, let's say thanks for what he has brought to the game rather than looking at the negatives.

If this is it: Thanks AI, I enjoyed watching.

Florence native, USC alum Powell eager for D-League season, more

"Got faith." That's the motto Florence native Carlos Powell has been using during his latest ascent toward the NBA. And soon, the NBA Development League's 2009 top draft pick will begin his season with hopes of fulfilling the "Got Faith" movement, which has drawn quite a crowd on Facebook.

I talked to him Thursday night about the upcoming season, his current team - the Albuquerque Thunderbirds - and the "Got Faith" movement. Here's what he had to say:

Q | The season is getting ever so closer, where you feel your game is right now?

Carlos | I feel like I'm doing pretty well right now ... just improving everyday ... a lot of shooting, just trying to improve on that everyday.

Q | How do you feel like you're fitting in out there and what role are they expecting of you? Scorer? Team leader?

Carlos | I feel like I fit in well ... we have a lot of good players out here, but the coach wants me to be a play-maker for the team, so it's cool. But we have guys like Keith McLeod [and] Antoine Agudio that are great players so I don't have to do much.

Q | I know you've had the "Got Faith" movement going, so how often do you think about getting to that next level?

Carlos | I think about it EVERYDAY ... I bought the NBA League Pass so i can watch all the NBA games, just studying the game and thinking about how I fit in with different teams ... because I know I belong in the NBA. I just have to get in the right situation ... GOT FAITH!!!!

The Thunderbirds have their first - and only - preseason game Wednesday. They open the regular season next Friday.

Bobcats make gamble that should pay off

Ladies and gentlemen, the Charlotte Bobcats may have just made the playoffs.

By acquiring Stephen Jackson from the Warriors, along with Acie Law for Vladimir Radmanovic and Raja Bell, the Bobcats may now be a playoff-caliber team. In fact, he may be the team's best player now.

This move makes a transformed team. Defense and running. Hmm. Sounds like the Warriors a couple years ago when they knocked the top-seeded Mavs out of the playoffs as an eighth seed. OK, I'm not saying they'll do anything on that level. But, Jackson makes the makeup of this team look better than most Bobcat teams before.

Think about it: Felton/Augustin, G-Force, Jackson and Chandler. That equals defense and agility. Not to mention the versatile Diaw.

On top of that, a happy Jackson is a rare mold of player. He can play 1 through 3, can score with nearly anybody when he's on and has plenty of basketball IQ. The only risk with him is keeping him happy. And he's happy - for now.

One good year out of Jackson could get the Bobcats in the playoffs, partly because it is the East - I know they're better right now, but it's early - and a playoff berth would help the organization as a whole. And, umm, help MJ's image as a non-player.

Anyway, Larry Brown is a smart coach, and he's got a good, smart group of players now. Get them to buy into it and it will pay off.

And, oh yeah, AI's back on the market. Not a good move now. The Bobcats have the playoffs as a realistic possibility now. They won't need AI to sell tickets now.

My thoughts around the NBA: AI really done?

• Is AI really done?: If that is "The Answer" I'm going to be really disappointed. The guy may never win an NBA title, but he's still a factor when he's on the floor. He's great for a bad team - ie, playing for Memphis. He can keep a team alive by himself - unfortunately he can take one apart himself too, some say. I don't know if I believe that. I just think AI needs to be with the right team. I just hate to see him walk away - if he is, as some have speculated - when he has a lot of game left. Hall of Fame seat awaits either way.
• Branding Jennings:I don't know if there has been a more controversial rookie in recent memory as Brandon Jennings (OK, I'm sure there was, but I'm blank right now). Nobody knew where he would fall in the draft. Then the video. Joe Budden, really? He's still around rapping? OK. Good for Joe. The offseason rant is history. He dropped 55 the other night. Am I shocked? Yes. Am as shocked that the Bucks are actually 5-2. Yes, but moreso. The East so far is 1 through 8 better record-wise than the West. It's the NBA: Stay posted.
• Tinsley back: Hmm. What do I say here? I guess all I can say is that it's another version of AI where a guy with talent left to use is back in the league. Is Stephon Marbury paying attention? Nah, he's probably staring aimlessly at his Webcam thinking someone is watching.
• The Lakers, again: The Lakers are lagging a little early. Wow! You surprised? I'm not. That's just what they do. After reading a Phil Jackson book a few years ago, I know why. It's playoffs, playoffs, playoffs they care about. However, Mr. Garnett appears to be healthy. He may be the bigger potential problem than Ron Artest blowing up. By the way, I wonder if Ron still thinks Brandon Roy, with all due respect, is the best player he's faced in the league, now that the best player is his teammate. That is, of course, if his buddy from NYC is still in jail.
• 23 reasons, but a number ain't 1: The deuce three. Retire it. It's simple. Why did it take the new man who's making it famous now to bring it up? Although, in my opinion, players who aren't superstitious choose their own number. See: Dennis Rodman. Ron Artest. Gheorghe Muresan (him again on this blog?). Wow, I think I just broke news that LeBron is superstitious. I'd never wear 23, too much pressure. What would be a good new number for LBJ?
• On a light note: Good luck to Kareem. He's surprised about the response by everyone that he has cancer, but you know, he's someone a lot of us don't know and guys my age (just 26) have only heard stories about (other than the great work he's doing with Bynum). But we all know the impact he had on the game. And that's enough to care, even if we don't know him personally.
• Quick rundown: Shout out to the Rockets, because they prove that playing hard equals wins and Aaron Brooks is pretty darn good! ... The Nets win so far, as the worst team as I predicted this offseason ... Props to D-Wade and the hot start, shows me even more about him being a leader, not looking past this season. ... A-T-L, don't say I didn't warn you about them.

Streetball basketball reality show in the works

Whiteville, N.C., native and former NBA player Jerrod Mustaf sent me a release about a reality television show in the works called "The Making of a Streetballer." Mustaf, who played in the NBA with the Knicks and Suns in the early 90s, is part of the Street Basketball Association, which in partnership with ESeats & URE LLC registered the show.

The show is to be a weekly series that, according to the release, is about searching for America’s top streetballer. The release says it will provide "an inside view of what it takes to be at the top of the game."

It says potential invited judges are "former NBA players, a former coach, a current 'streetball' star, editor of a national “streetball” magazine and a female celebrity guest."

The release also said: "Dates and times for the registration and competition are being negotiated with sponsors and will be posted on our websites - [www.streetbasketballassociation.net, the one I know of] - soon."

I asked if there was any kind of contract with a television network, but haven't heard anything on that yet. I will keep you posted with what I hear.

It sounds like an intriguing show - and I'm not a huge reality TV fan.

Florence native, USC alum Powell goes No. 1 in D-League draft

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I talked to Florence native Carlos Powell about a week ago and he said he was still weighing his options - a look from other NBA teams, going back overseas, or trying the NBA Development League again - after being cut by the Phoenix Suns in the preseason despite impressing many in the process.

On Thursday the Wilson High graduate made it clear he still sees the NBA in his near future. He was taken No. 1 in the NBA D-League draft by the Albuquerque Thunderbirds, whom he will display himself with while hoping to receive a call-up to the NBA.

Powell played in the D-League two years ago (was actually the second pick that season) before heading overseas for a year. He scored over 20 points per game in his first stint in the D-League but did not receive a call-up. With Powell going to the D-League rather than going overseas again, it's clear he believes he'll get the call this time.

It all comes down to money. And the former Gamecock took a virtual pay cut to try to keep his dream alive for this year.

Players with his skills can make a lot more money overseas than they will in the D-League. However, the D-League is just one step from the NBA. But with Powell it doesn't seem to be that big of a gamble. He seems on the brink of the NBA.

The Thunderbirds seem really high on him. So high, I'd imagine they probably know they might now keep him long - because the NBA could come calling. Check out these clips from the NBA D-League draft show, which includes highlights of Powell's time with the Suns:

http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2009/11/05/091105_dleague_first.nba/

Sessions' status with Wolves still unclear

Myrtle Beach native Ramon Sessions decided to become a Minnesota Timberwolve through restricted free agency this summer. So far, it hasn't been a fairytale - aside from that big paycheck of course.

Sessions' role is still unclear five games into the season. The third-year point guard is averaging 5.6 points, 5.4 rebounds (very impressive) and 2.6 assists in 22.4 minutes per game this season. Much of the odd production seems to be attributed to the fact his playing time has varied quite a bit - and the windows in which he has played have varied.

Sessions has played 19, 22, 31, 26 and 15 minutes (in order) in games this season - all while coming off the bench behind rookie Jonny Flynn. His overall numbers seem a bit odd, with his assists down and scoring down, but rebounds up. However, his shooting percentage (.448) is solid - and slightly better than his career numbers. He just isn't taking a lot of shots. He's shooting just 40 percent from the free throw line, which is uncharacteristic of him. It sounds to me like a lot of uncertainty, and if you've ever played basketball you know that having an undefined role is tough for many guys.

Another factor is when Ramon was signed the Wolves' GM said he looked forward to seeing Sessions and Flynn playing together. However, just before the season coach Kurt Rambis said he doesn't like that idea. So there's only so many minutes to go around.

Ramon got more minutes than Flynn in the third and fourth games of the year, but last game had just 15.

It's pretty difficult to see what the T'Wolves are thinking with Sessions, but it's early and it is a rebuilding team.

I still think he would have looked good in a Knicks uniform though!

NBA 2K10 vs. NBA Live 10

For the first time in like three years I heard the words "NBA Live is better than 2K" a couple weeks ago at the gym. My Xbox 360 was in the shop, so I couldn't formulate an opinion that day, which was the day 2K came out (wasn't tracking the Live release date).

Now, I'm a couple days into 2K10 after getting my system back - couldn't jump into Live without personal evidence, and haven't gotten too far into 2K yet because I've been busy - but 2K passes the test so far. I don't think they've screwed up much, which is always good with video games.

I'm a realist kind of player when it comes to these things. I'm not big on all the extras; they're fun in certain circumstances, but I'm more for the actual game play, franchise-type setup. 2K has been good about having the players and teams playing like they do in real life as far as I'm concerned. CPU trades sometimes are a little strange, but for the most part, 2K puts a pretty solid game together.

I was turned off by Live - after growing up playing it - a couple years ago when someone persuaded me to try 2K. Dan Dickau - sorry, man, it's not personal - was the PG for the Blazers and scored 40 points on me while shooting like 40 shots the last time I played Live. Not realistic. I can't remember if I won or not, but the point was ... Dan Dickau has never dropped 40, probably won't ever, but that was how Live was set up then.

But is Live back? Gamespot.com gave Live a 7.5 review, 7.0 for 2K. Both seem kind of low, but Live wins? Users liked 2K better on that site. I stuck with what has worked - 2K.

Clue me in. I already bought 2K10. Good move? Bad move?