Off The Glass

Could Timberwolves really put Sessions on the trade market?

Let me warn you: This is all speculation. However, it's not by me. I just simply read it.

Earlier this month Myrtle Beach High graduate Ramon Sessions popped up on an ESPN.com list of free agents who signed with new teams in the summer of 2009 whom they say could be traded during the current season. He was fifth on a Top-5 list after moving from Milwaukee to Minnesota.

Perhaps the fact the T'Wolves traded away third-string point guard Jason Hart to the Phoenix Suns for forward Alando Tucker on Tuesday could be a sign that that won't be the case.

However, when the T'Wolves emerged from nowhere and signed Sessions quickly after Ricky Rubio decided to stay in Spain this summer, Minnesota GM David Kahn said he liked the idea of Sessions and rookie Jonny Flynn playing side-by-side a lot this year. That was nixed by first-year T'Wolves coach Kurt Rambis and therefore hasn't happened much. The result: Not a ton of minutes or regularity for Sessions, who signed for four years, $16 million.

Something does seem amiss here, in my opinion. I've thought that since Rambis said he didn't like the idea of Sessions and Flynn playing together. Now, I'm wondering if the "flip" idea - which apparently is GM talk that sounds like buy-low, sell-high real estate lingo - could be true. And I didn't think of this myself; again, I read this in the Minnesota Star Tribune, which cited ESPN's list.

Check it out yourself. I'd love to hear others' thoughts on this topic.

Check these out:

http://espn.go.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/dime-091112-13/weekend-dime-players-soon-trade-eligible

http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/79276107.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUqPk4DyCc75DiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr

Florence's Powell drops 40 in D-League; also joins Twitter

Florence native Carlos Powell made some NBA Development League headlines - ones NBA teams likely noticed, too - when he dropped a career-high 40 points Sunday night in leading the Albuquerque Thunderbirds to a 115-111 win over the Los Angeles D-Fenders.

Now you can read his own headlines. The D-League's 2009 draft pick joined Twitter on Monday night.

The Wilson High School graduate - now with the Twitter alias CarlosPowell7 - said that over the holidays he put in some extra work, which led to his breakout game.

"A lot of the guys went home right after the [previous] game for a Christmas break ... I stayed in [Albuquerque] and worked out for about four more days by myself because I felt like it was something that I was doing that wasn't helping us win," said Powell, whose team improved to 3-7 with Sunday's victory.

"So I went home for like two days and came straight to L.A. the day after Christmas and went straight to the gym. I did A LOT of shooting ... and I just had to refocus and tell myself that I'm the leader of the team and I had to check myself before I try and correct someone else," the former South Carolina standout said Monday.

Powell went 16 of 23 from the field and 7 of 9 from the free-throw line while hitting 1 of 2 3-point attempts. He also had six rebounds.

Powell credits his faith - hence, the "Got Faith" movement he started on Facebook this summer when he was playing in the Phoenix Suns' summer league and later on their preseason roster - as a guiding factor.

"God keeps me going ... Got Faith - the movement is special," said Powell, currently seventh in the D-League in scoring at 23.2 points per game.

Powell was cut from the Suns in the preseason; not too longer after he was drafted No. 1 in the D-League.

West Brunswick's Simmons follows with big night in NBDL

West Brunswick (N.C.) High School graduate Cedric Simmons had his biggest night of the season Monday. The former N.C. State star had 29 points and 13 rebounds in the Idaho Stampede's 112-109 overtime loss to the Utah Flash.

Myrtle Beach High alum Galloway continuing career in Saudi Arabia

Myrtle Beach High School alum Trello Galloway is playing professional basketball this season in Saudi Arabia.

Galloway, who played in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, last season, said his coach from there contacted him about playing in Saudi Arabia this year. They start the season later than European leagues there, so he has been there since the start of the season.

Galloway said he is battling an ankle injury and that moving to another part of the Middle East has been "different, but I can do it."

This past fall Galloway and I spoke about the possibility of him going back over, and he said it was a tough job market - like in most professions in the country right now - but was certain he'd be going back overseas to play.

It's definitely good to see he's back playing.

Galloway, who also played at Fork Union Military Academy and collegiately at Georgia State, has also played professionally in Europe.

To watch a video of him playing in Dubai last year, go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NR0AoZmgjZ4

Disgraced track star Marion Jones the next big thing in the WNBA?

I'm a little late on this, but something brought the Marion Jones-to-the-WNBA possibility back into my focus.

Probably the fact that it would be a huge story and would be really good publicity for the WNBA.

The ruling Friday against her Olympic teammates who want their gold medals back (which were stripped from all of them because of her performance-enhancing drug use) reminded me of reading early this month that she said she was intending on coming back to sports by way of the WNBA.

She played for the North Carolina Tar Heels and won a national championship with them as a freshman before shifting her focus more onto track.

She played point guard and reports said she was intending to play in Europe during the winter to prepare for the season, which takes place during the summer.

I love the idea. Part of that is me thinking people deserve second chances (she served jail time for lying about using performance-enhancing drugs and got out in Sept. 2008). Another part of me says the WNBA needs something like this.

Controversy is good, especially if it is a story like this where she only harmed herself. It's not like a Michael Vick comeback, where it's really hard to decide if he really regrets what he did. I think most would embrace her comeback and root for her, especially since she harmed no one but herself and her reputation. I certainly would. Who hasn't made a mistake in their life? This is certainly redeemable.

She lost in one court. Hopefully she wins on another.

If you are late on this like me and want more on this story, go here: http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/blog/fourth_place_medal/post/Fallen-track-star-Marion-Jones-looking-to-make-W?urn=oly,205893

Coastal's Noll talks about Holiday Invitational memories, more

St. James High graduate and current Coastal Carolina forward Jessica Noll is one of the few who have played multiple times in the Crescent Bank Holiday Invitational in both high school and college. She posted a career-high 20 points against Stetson in last year's Carolinas Challenge.

The Chanticleers beat Savannah State 57-41 on Sunday as part of the same event this year. Noll had 3 points, an assist and a steal in 17 minutes.

Noll, who is averaging 4.7 points and 1.7 rebounds per game in a reserve role (just under 12 minutes per game), took the time to talk for a few minutes about playing in the Holiday Invitational, the Chants in general and more:

Q | The Holiday Invitational has become a tradition here in Myrtle Beach. Any lasting memories of your first time stepping on the court - in high school or college - or was it business as usual?

Jessica | To be honest, I don't remember much about the first game in the tournament in high school, but I would imagine I was pretty nervous. As for college, it's exciting to be playing in an arena where a lot of locals can easily watch the game.

Q | I'm sure you have some fond memories playing in the tournament. I'd imagine the career-high game was the biggest; tell me a little about that game (which they won).

Jessica | I just shot really well in that game. It felt like whatever I shot was going in.

Q | How do you feel about where you and the Chanticleers are at this point?

Jessica | I feel like we're playing pretty well. There were definitely a couple games we should have played better in though. [As for tomorrow's game], we've already played savannah state this season and won, but it was a tough game. We just need to play our game and get the win.

Side note: They got the win Sunday, of course, and won by 2 more points than they did in the first meeting without two key players, one of which being their top scorer.

Q | Your situation is one a lot of players don't have, being able to play at home in college, what has that experience been like for you?

Jessica | It's been pretty nice. My family and friends can come to games pretty much whenever they want and it's always nice to have that kind of support

Q | Do you like to watch the games, high school and/or college when you get a chance?

Jessica | If I have time, I definitely like to watch high school games in the tournament. As for college teams, it's fun to watch them too.

Q | Is there one player in particular who you played against or have watched in the tournament who really impressed you?

Jessica | Well, I haven't gone to any games yet this year, but [Myrtle Beach's] Khadijah Sessions is good and is still [fairly young].

Simmons coming back strong in NBA Development League

West Brunswick High graduate Cedric Simmons has resurfaced in the NBA Development League, having signed with the Idaho Stampede and made an immediate impact.

Since returning to the NBDL after a short stint in which he had reportedly signed with Greek club Peristeri before being released, Simmons has made his presence felt. In three games, Simmons has scored 19 points per game in a little over 28 minutes. In his last outing (Monday), he dropped 26 points with six rebounds and four blocks.

Simmons, who played at N.C. State, was a free agent after being traded to the Sacramento Kings organization in the last NBA season. According to several online reports, he signed to play overseas in Greece sometime in the summer. Since, he has returned to the states and the NBDL, where he is again a step from getting back into the NBA.

Simmons was drafted 15th overall by the Hornets in the 2006 NBA draft. He didn't progress enough in a couple years (while also having been traded several times) to become a factor in the NBA and spent time in the D-League. Now, after apparently trying the overseas route, he is back in the NBDL.

Simmons is what they call "raw" talent. The guy is 6-foot-10, with an over 7-foot wingspan. It hasn't taken long for him to make an impact for the Stampede, so maybe he is back on track. If so, good for him.

He's still 23 until early January, and definitely a talent. There's still plenty of upside. We'll see what he does with it. So far, so good.

Side note

Simmons was suspended one game for making contact with a referee in a Dec. 5 game. According to http://www.insidehoops.com/blog/?p=5123, Dakota Wizards guard Maurice Baker was suspended one game the same night for striking Cedric Simmons in the shoulder/face.

It's highly likely both suspensions were related to a scuffle. I couldn't find anything to completely confirm that, but it makes sense.

Either way, Ced is back.

Update on Sessions, Felton and others navigating NBA waters

We're about a quarter of the way through the NBA season, so I decided to take a close look at what players (and coach) with local ties are doing thus far.

Myrtle Beach graduate Ramon Sessions (Minnesota Timberwolves guard): Sessions is averaging 8.3 points, 3.3 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game in an average of 22.1 minutes. All numbers are below his career averages - but keep in mind so are the minutes, which many expected to be higher when he made the move to the Timberwolves. The team is also struggling, at 3-20, worst in the west, and the second-worst team in the league so far.

Former Socastee coach Dan D'Antoni (New York Knicks assistant coach): D'Antoni and the Knicks have struggled. New York is 8-15 after an even lousier start. However, being in the Eastern Conference leaves them just 2 games out of the eighth (and final playoff) spot. D'Antoni said before the season he believed this team could be good. They didn't start out that way, but at least they're improving and are in a bad conference.

Myrtle Beach (offseason) resident Raymond Felton (Charlotte Bobcats guard): Felton is averaging 11.7 points, 5.0 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals in 32.4 minutes per game this year. All but the steals are lower than career averages (including minutes). However, the Bobcats are 9-12, which at this point would be good enough to land the eighth playoff spot in the East. Could the Bobcats really make the playoffs this year?

Former Whiteville (N.C.) High standout Chris Wilcox (Detroit Pistons forward/center): Wilcox has received little playing time since signing with the Pistons in the offseason. Wilcox is averaging 2.1 points and 2.3 rebounds per game in just under 10 minutes a contest. He has been stuck behind fellow newcomers Ben Wallace (well,sort of) and Charlie Villanueva and incumbent players Jason Maxiell and Kwame Brown in Detroit. The Pistons, at 10-12, are currently seventh in the Eastern Conference.

Florence native and Wilson High graduate Carlos Powell (NBA Development League's Albuquerque Thunderbirds): The D-League's No. 1 draft pick is averaging 21.3 points (good for eighth in the league), 5.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.33 steals per game in his first season with the Thunderbirds, who are 2-4. The T-birds are the affiliate for the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat.

Basketball vs. football: My declaration of war on football

For me, basketball season officially (officially) began Saturday. It officially (Yes, once) began back in October, if it even really ever ended (or ends, thankfully).

But Kentucky topped North Carolina on Saturday. Wake Forest beat the Zags (OK. I'm a Wake fan, that's why it's grouped with two prestigious programs butting heads; however, I'm fair: So, big win for the Deacs considering somehow they couldn't beat William & Mary. Big ups to former Socastee standout Nick D'Antoni's alma mater).

Also, USC-Clemson hoops game tomorrow - it's like the football game known as the remix maybe? This one probably will be closer than the pigskin version. And, uh, dare I say: Coastal Carolina is pretty good, at least pretty good in a could-win-the-Big-South-and-make-the-NCAAs kind of way. But that IS pretty big around here.

In another world Alabama topped Florida - probably won the national title a month early - the BCS survived by a split second (or did it?) and Clemson did what it do (mediocrity).

So, obviously I'm biased toward hoops. But I try to be fair. What exactly was Saturday? The big day for college football (or the letdown and beginning of hoops?). Or was it the beginning of the wonderful holidays that provide great college football (with 75 million bowls)?

I guess it's a personal question. Sorry for intruding.

But I want a war on football. Everyone complains the NBA season is too long; but those same folks a lot of the time support the BCS (or argue over it endlessly; note: apparently it isn't changing!) - I think the C was added out of political correctness. BS it may actually be. Sorry, hardcore football fans.

And, oh yeah: The Nets won a game and Kobe is performing miracles already.

Don't get me wrong, I like football too.

But let's not get it twisted: Basketball knows what it's doing.

To me, the basketball season is the best. Anyone can win. It's the old NCAA tournament. March on. And the NBA is the same way: anyone can win.

Sorry, TCU, Cincinnati, Boise and whoever wins the FCS championship. We may never know.

Nebraska fought for you, but that's like the problem trying to provide the answer. Oops.

MB grad Hemingway to play pro ball in Mexico

Former Myrtle Beach High basketball standout Akeem Hemingway is going to Mexico for Christmas.

Hemingway said he will be leaving Minnesota – where he is living with cousin Ramon Sessions, who plays for the Timberwolves – Christmas Day for Guadalajara, Mexico, where he will embark on a professional basketball career.

Hemingway said he will be put on display for five days, starting Dec. 26, for several teams that will afterward select from that group players for their season that runs from February through July.

Hemingway said the opportunity was relayed to him earlier this week by Connors State coach Bill Muse. Hemingway said a former Connors State teammate has played in this particular Mexican league, which is part of FIBA Americas.

It's been a long journey to get here. I'll let him tell you his story:

Q | Tell me a little bit about your path and how it is ultimately leading to south of the border later this month.

Akeem | After college, my first year when I got out I entered the NBA Development League draft and I went down to the predraft camp, participated in the predraft camp. How that works,12 contracts are given out. I didn't get a contract. And then later on that summer, around October actually, I got a call from two teams - the Idaho Stampede and Dakota Wizards. I got a passport and flew to Toronto - that's where the Idaho Stampede had their team camp and I participated in that. There, I worked out in front of the Toronto Raptors and Premier Basketball League team Halifax Rainmen, of Canada - (whom he had already been in contact with). Idaho was there, too, of course. That was a great experience. Idaho is the NBDL affiliate for Toronto and the Trail Blazers. I ended up getting cut. That was kind of tough on me so I had to make a decision on what to do.

On to Milwaukee

Akeem | Ramon kind of backed me up on my plans and on what I wanted to do. [So] I moved to Milwaukee (where Sessions was playing last year) and began training with him. He showed me the ins and outs. I got to see all the home NBA games up close and personal. I learned a lot from that. It's kind of crazy because the whole plan was to get me on the Bucks summer league team. That was into play and didn't wind up working out. Before you knew it, I got in touch with (former Socastee High) coach [Dan] D'Antoni of the New York Knicks. I was on their draft board for the summer league - Coach D really bent over backward for me. [But] I didn't wind up getting picked. Before heading into this past summer, Ramon moved to Atlanta, so I went there with him to work out. (Note: At the time Sessions was a restricted free agent with the Bucks).

Back in the Dirty South - A-T-L

Akeem | In Atlanta I ended up working out with some former NBA players - Travis Best, Eric Snow, Anthony Johnson (actually still playing with Orlando), even Jerry Stackhouse. I was kind of in the position where I had to prove myself, going against these guys. I learned a lot from those guys. The crazy thing I thought was being a little kid watching TV, I just saw those guys on TV. Before you know it, I was working out with them. They were actually giving me props. They were like, "Dream (nickname), man he can play." Travis Best would give me a lot of pointers, like working on my body, getting stronger. Snow was showing me more little moves, how to draw fouls. I did a lot of working out with Anthony Johnson, helping with his summer league camps. He invited me and I did two of his camps with him. That was pretty cool. I built a great relationship with those guys, man. Jerry Stackhouse, I started working out with him toward the end.

No luck with the NBDL's Reno Bighorns, 9-5 time? (Meanwhile, Sessions signs with Timberwolves)

Akeem | I was waiting to hear back from Reno. It didn't work out. When I went to Minnesota with Ramon I was planning on starting on life, more of a career path. One day the ball has to stop dribbling. But I was still wanting to play. I still loved the game, though. I'm actually still working out now. I'm working out in the gym at the Timberwolves practice facility. I'm down there working out.

Q | That is, of course, only for a little while longer now. You're off to Mexico soon.

Akeem | It's just now that I've got the offer, I think everything will definitely work out. It's just a long, hard grind. I would advise any kid out there who wants to get involved in this game to take it serious. In high school you love it and it was fun. In college and at the professional level it's more of a business. You have to take the down side, you have to be able to bounce back. I never let it stop me because I felt more and more confidence since I've done it. Me, personally, I think I've gotten better from learning so much from those guys this summer. That's how I knew I loved the game because when I was cut I didn't want to give up. The fire was still there and it only made me want it more. I think things will start looking up. I think all things have a positive ending.

Q | But, first there is a beginning. How's your Spanish?

Akeem | No, I don't speak any Spanish at all. [My former teammate who has been playing down there] was telling me the foods, he was telling me the foods not to eat and stuff so, it's all a [culture] shock, but you know, I'm looking forward to it.

Q | Looks like soon you'll be far away from your cousin, best friend, Ramon. Have you thought much about that?

Akeem | Ramon's a big guy. He's grown up now. He can handle a lot of stuff. Any time he needs me I'm there. I couldn't tell you how much Ramon has done for me. If anything, he motivated me. We had a conversation [Wednesday] night about me going to Mexico. He had nothing but great things to say. We motivate each other. I don't look at him as a big NBA star, because he's still the same Ramon, my young cousin who I played with in high school and grew up with.

Q | Playing international basketball is a great opportunity, yet also can be quite a challenge. What's your outlook?

Akeem | The opportunity is big. A lot guys worry too much about the money. You don't look at the money. You look at the opportunity. I let my game speak for me. That's how I've always been since high school. I'm not bragging, but I never question my skill. I think my game does speak for itself. A lot of people ask, "Why is he not playing anywhere?" That's just how the chips fall. And I'm OK with that. So I just keep grinding. I love to do this, man.

Q | That being said, you seem to have a great opportunity to let your game do the talking. With the nature of the beast - I've heard the economy is having a great impact on even international basketball - would you have it any other way?

Akeem | If you have to think about it, I'm around the fire so I'm warm. As you know with the NBDL this year, it got cut back to eight rounds. When you're in the gym and guys like Jerry Stackhouse is in there working out - you know [it's tough right now]. Teams go with guys with experience, a solid resume. I don't have that. You can't get down about it. You've got to take different routes. You have to start from somewhere, this is going to be my first year playing [pro ball]. Another guy will come back next year [like I was] and have no background. I'll get taken ahead of him because I have more experience at the pro level. That's just the business side of it. But I'm just excited for the opportunity, to get on the court and show what I can do.

Fenderbosch draining 3s in N.C.

Socastee High School graduate Kurt Fenderbosch's travels have landed him about two hours away in Laurinburg, N.C.

He's in his second season at St. Andrews Presbyterian College and has connected on 12 of 25 3-pointers and is second on the team in scoring with 11.3 points per game - and that's coming off the bench. His freshman year he was a starter in about half the games and averaged 8.26 points per game. He said Knights coach Richie Schueler, also in his second year at the college, likes Fenderbosch as their "secret weapon" off the bench. And so far he has been.

He played at Patterson Prep School in Lenoir, N.C. after high school, hoping to land at a Division I school. He ended up at St. Andrews, a Division II school in the Conference Carolinas, where he has shown plenty of potential so far (now in his sophomore season).

Kurt took a couple minutes to talk about his journey, what he's learned along the way and about the future.

Q | So, why prep school after high school and how did you end up at St. Andrews?

Kurt | I went [to prep school] to try to go to a mid-major D1 school. Out of high school i got offers from Morehead State and Charleston Southern ... I said no to them. I didn't think they were the right fit for me at the time so I went to Patterson Prep. I got to play with Courtney Fortson (now at Arkansas), Darious Johnson Odom (now at Marquette) and Varez Ward (now at Texas).

Q | What did you gain from playing with guys at that level?

Kurt | Getting a quicker release in shooting the ball, moving without the ball and making me quicker on defense by guarding them everyday in practice.

Q | I see you are the second-leading scorer so far and you're knocking down a lot of 3s off the bench. Any indication if you'll get in the starting lineup soon considering your good production?

Kurt | Me and coach talked and he said he likes me coming off the bench kind of like a secret weapon right now. I started all last year. I think soon I will be starting but I'm not worrying about it though ... my time will come again.

Q | Have you seen any familiar faces along the way, seeing as you are playing so close to home?

Kurt | Yeah, I play against Derek Zito (Myrtle Beach graduate) at Belmont Abbey.

Q | So, what are some of your highlights from this year or last?

Kurt | My big highlight last year  was when I had a game-high 24 against Erskine in a win as a freshman.

Q | Are there any big games you're looking ahead to? I see you play East Carolina this year. Will that be a game you're looking forward to to prove what you can do against a Division I team?

Kurt | Definitely. You pinned it right on the point, especially because ECU was a school that was looking at me for a bit.

Q  | So what's your outlook?

Kurt | I just look forward to turning our team around (they're 1-4 so far this year) by being a leader by example on the court.