Off The Glass

Update on Florence native, USC alum Powell's move to China

According to several online reports, Florence native and South Carolina alum Carlos Powell will be playing with Liaoning of the Chinese Basketball Association soon.

Powell played his final game for the NBA Development League's Albuquerque Thunderbirds last week and was making plans to head to China to continue his career. Powell was the No. 1 pick in the NBDL draft this past fall and was considered to be a top prospect for a potential NBA call-up.

One online report said Powell bought out his contract in order to make the move to China.

More NBDL-related news

According to online rumors, former VMI standout Reggie Williams is set to be called up by the Golden State Warriors.

Williams, who played in VMI's run-and-gun system in the Big South, was third in the D-League in scoring at 26.4 points per game for the Sioux Falls Skyforce.

As of late Sunday night, the call-up was not official according to the D-League's Web site.

UNC alum Noel talks NBA, NBDL, overseas ball and even Sessions

Former University of North Carolina standout David Noel III has been all over the world since his days as a Tar Heel. Currently, Noel is spending his days in France, where he plays for Chorale Roanne Basket - a team based in Roanne, France - in the Pro A Eurocup.

A little background first:

Noel, a graduate of Southern High School in Durham, N.C., played 127 career games for the Tar Heels - and was a part of their 2005 national championship team - before being drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round (39th overall) of the 2006 NBA draft. Noel averaged 2.7 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 68 games - playing just over 11 minutes per game - with the Bucks as a rookie. Since his rookie season, Noel has made several stops in the NBA Development League and even has played alongside Myrtle Beach resident Ramon Sessions (currently with the Minnesota Timberwolves) while both were in the Bucks organization. Last year, Noel took his game to the Philippines, where he played for the Barangay Ginebra Kings. And now, of course, he is in France with Chorale Roanne Basket.

Q&A with UNC alum David Noel III

Q | I know you have NBA and NBDL experience in recent years. Now you're overseas. I know other guys who've been in similar situations. How did your decision come about?

David | Some of us play this game for a lot of different reasons. For me it's because I love [it] and want to make a career out of it ... and in that career I would like to make as much money as I can doing what I love. The NBDL was great, but the pay isn't as good as I think it should be and playing overseas you get a chance to see the world and get paid a little bit more - that helps in that process, so that's why I come over.

Q | I know playing overseas is a good gig for big-time college players from the U.S. What is your ultimate plan - another crack in the NBA, playing top level internationally more or something else?

David | My goal is to get back to the NBA, but that will only last for about another year or so. If it doesn't work out that I get back in [the NBA], then I'll do my best to play internationally for as long as I can, [and] then do something with real estate after I'm done and also coaching.

Q | What's it been like for you leaving the U.S. and living in Europe and so far from home? Any specific pros and cons?

David | It's different, man. You have to adjust to so much, not only the game but also the culture and the language barriers, so it's tough. But I love seeing the rest of the world that the Lord has made and I think it's a blessing to see and learn about other countries and cultures.

Q | You told me you played with Myrtle Beach's Ramon Sessions via the Bucks organization. What are your thoughts on his game and what do you remember most about playing with him?

David | I played with "BIGTIME SESSIONS" - that's what I call him. But he's a great player. He came out early and got an opportunity and did the most with it and now he's living a dream. As far as his game, I think he's a smart point guard and has one of the best floaters I've seen, one of the reasons I think he is where he is now.

Florence native, USC alum Powell leaving NBA D-League for China

According to Florence native Carlos Powell's Twitter page, @CarlosPowell7, he is leaving the NBA Development League for a pro team in China soon. And his final appearance in the D-League was in the Albuquerque Thunderbirds' 102-97 loss to the Bakersfield Jam on Tuesday night.

And it likely was a memorable performance for Powell - and not just because it was his last with Albuquerque. He nearly had a triple-double, with 18 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. Down 3 with nine seconds left, Powell had a chance to tie the game - and extend his stay by a few minutes - but missed a 3-pointer that would have tied it.

He posted on Twitter and Facebook after the game: "Well my last game didn't go as planned but it was a Blessing playin with these guys but the Lord has a different plan for me...Got Faith!!"

Powell indicated earlier on his Twitter page that the move was a "business" decision.

Powell, a former Wilson High School and South Carolina standout, has often been mentioned on the D-League's Web site - including Monday's report - and other Web sites as a potential NBA call-up. However, up to this point the forward has not gotten the call. Powell made the D-League All-Star game earlier this month and was eighth in the league with a 22.2 point per game average as of Tuesday.

Dime Magazine recently called it "mind-boggling" that Powell hasn't been called up by the Miami Heat or Dallas Mavericks, whom the Thunderbirds are an affiliate to.

This is the second time Powell has left the D-League to play overseas. He played in the D-League in the 2007-08 season before leaving to play professionally in South Korea. Powell returned to the D-League before the start of this season after being picked No. 1 in the 2009 D-League draft. Before the draft Powell said he was considering going overseas, but he eventually decided to give the D-League another shot after putting himself on the NBA radar by playing on the Phoenix Suns' summer league team.

It is widely known in basketball circles that NBDL-level players can generally earn much more money overseas. However, being in the D-League and a star like Powell also means the player is just one step from getting to the NBA. Hence, "business" decision.

Q&A: Hemingway alum Dollard playing pro ball in Switzerland

                          Submitted photo

It's not uncommon for guys to leave college basketball for the NBA draft after their junior season. However, it isn't exactly the norm for guys to leave a Division II school after their junior season to go pro in other leagues. That didn't stop former Hemingway High standout Josh Dollard from bucking the trend by leaving USC Aiken after his junior season and soon after embarking on a pro career.

Dollard currently is playing for the Geneva Devils in the Swiss League A division of Switzerland and hopes to put his name into consideration for when the NBA draft rolls around. Dollard agreed to talk a little about his journeys recently, but a little background on him first:

Dollard played two years at Auburn (he averaged 12.5 points and 7 rebounds per game as a sophomore), but was dismissed from the team before his junior season for undisclosed reasons. He then transferred to USC Aiken, where he played as a junior last season, compiling averages of 15.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game and garnering a Second Team All-Peach Belt Conference selection. He said in the summer was when he decided to forgo his senior season.

Dollard said he got a typical overseas deal where the team provides him with a place to live and transportation. As of Wednesday night, Dollard said he was averaging 9.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and 1.0 steal in 18.5 minutes per game.

Q&A with Josh Dollard, Switzerland

Q | I've talked to several guys who have gotten gigs overseas, and their paths to professional ball have varied. How did yours develop after deciding to leave school?

Josh | Well, basically it was about agents contacting [me] and me getting in contact with agents that had the same plans and vision for myself as I did ... sending tapes, stats and getting myself put on the Internet where teams could see what type of player I was and how they could see me fit for their teams.

Q | How long did it take after school before you got a job and when does the season run from?

Josh | Well, I made the decision late in the summer right before school and I had some offers then, but I got hurt working out and it kind [of] put things on hold for about three months from September to the middle of December ... and basically when I was ready to go I took the first thing on the table, which at the time was a [Premier Basketball League] team: the Vermont Frost Heaves. I played my first game with [them] out in Puerto Rico versus a team there back in January, and the next day I had an offer to come overseas and I took it. I have been here since the beginning of January and hopefully we'll make the playoffs.

Q | Was there a particular reason you decided to go pro with a year left at USC-Aiken? Sounds like it's working our for you, so are you happy with your decision and what's the ultimate goal?

Josh | Well, just talking with my family, scouts, coaches and people who have influence on my life ... they thought it was best for my future if I was really going to make a push to get my name back out to there to get NBA scouts and GMs back on my radar after being out a season for Auburn then transferring from [Division I] to [Division II]. It was a step down, so being that, I had prove myself on the top level in country far as college basketball goes and came into D2 and doing it, well, it was a no-brainer to make the decision and turn pro and show the scouts and teams that I could do it in a pro league against [more] talented guys that have pro experience.

Q | How's your game developing over there, and life-wise, is anything drastically different being out of the U.S.?

Josh | Game-wise I'm starting to approach the game in a more professional way ... you start to see it as a job now, you start learning that your on your own and you have to have the work ethic to want to get better and treat your body better and to [do] the necessary things to make your as an individual are prepared ... whereas in college you had things planned and arranged for you - practice, skills work, go to weight room, eat the proper meals. Now it's on you to do those things - I have to pick up on that. As far as life-wise, the whole experience is a change - I wouldn't say drastic but it's all new too. But it's been a good [decision] and one that I don't regret making.

Q | Are you planning on continuing an overseas career or is there somewhere - possibly in the NBA or other top international leagues - you are eyeing in your future?

Josh | I definitely have my eyes on the NBA. This is my year to enter the draft, so I'll definitely be pushing to get there in predraft workouts to show teams that I have what it takes to play on the next level and be successful and help any team. But if it does not work, I will always be open for coming back overseas, getting better and continuing to pursue [living] my life-long dream of playing on the big stage there is for basketball player, that being playing in the NBA with the best in the world.

Coastal Carolina alum Ferguson leaving for Mexico to play pro ball

Submitted photos

Above: Coastal Carolina alum Chad Ferguson (right) poses with teammate Richie Williams after they won a championship this winter as part of team Xalisco in a showcase tournament in Mexico.

Coastal Carolina graduate Chad Ferguson didn't waste time in taking steps to get his basketball career to the professional level after school. After plenty of stops along the way, Ferguson leaves Wednesday for Mexico, where he will play for Tepic Nayarit Coras in the CIBA Copa basketball league. (NOTE: Myrtle Beach High graduate Akeem Hemingway will be playing in the same league this spring.)

In short, Ferguson played in several showcase events, did a photo shoot with the Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade and played for a couple minor league teams in the United States before heading to Mexico over this past Christmas and earning a professional job in Mexico: This all after graduating from Coastal in 2008 up until now.

Ferguson took the time to answer a Q&A with me recently:

Q | Tell me a little bit about the stops you made from when you graduated Coastal Carolina up until now.

Chad | In may 2008 after graduation commencement I started my pro basketball travels. I played in the VCU Seniors Pro International Exposure Camp. I played very well, averaging 15 [points per game and over 7 [rebounds per game]. As soon as the camp was over, I headed to Des Moines, Iowa, for training camp with Athletes in Action Russia Tour Team.  We arrived in Moscow and traveled throughout southern Russia.  It was a very good experience for myself and also for basketball.  We played against club and pro teams throughout our tour.  I received all-tournament honors in Veronish Russia with averages of 19 ppg and 9 rpg.  After I got back from Russia in late June I went to Miami for a workout with Maccabi-Haifa (a pro team from Israeli's top league).  I got connected with [that] opportunity by doing a photo shoot with Dwyane Wade while he was in Las Vegas with the Olympic team. (The photo was published by Dime Magazine, and shows me guarding Dwyane Wade while he explains his blow-by first step move).  Then, after I moved to San Diego I joined the Ventura Jets from the WCBL (West Coast Basketball League). I received first-team all rookie honors after the season/playoffs with averages of 18 ppg and 10 rpg. After that season I had an opportunity to go to Mexico to play, but unfortunately the swine flu outbreak was very bad out there and they canceled the league due to the epidemic. After leaving Coastal, I basically had to prove myself again to everyone because unfortunately my college career didn't go as well as I wanted.  My stats weren't as impressive so I had to go display myself to everyone basically. So I was stuck in San Diego being trained by Berry Randle with my best friend Lorrenzo Wade, who was preparing for the NBA Draft. Then, earlier this season I played four games with the San Diego Surf of the ABA Pro League. During my short stint with the Surf I finally got the call and opportunity I was waiting for.  I got the call to play in the pro tourney down in Mexico during Christmas time in front of the scouts and teams for CIBA Copa. the top pro league down there.  I was playing for Xalisco.  I took advantage of the opportunity by winning the tourney championship and playing very well, including a 27-point outing in the championship game against the host team, Ruiz.  My team only had two Americans - Richie Williams, a point guard from San Diego State the last four years and myself.  I averaged over 18 ppg and 12 rpg during the seven games we played.  So, after that opportunity it brought me the chance now to play in CIBA Copa this upcoming season with Tepic Nayarit Coras.

Q | Was there ever a point in all your journeys that you considered giving up playing pro ball? If so, how close did you get?

Chad | Throughout this journey I have experienced many ups and downs.  It's like a constant flow of people telling you they can do this and that or they know this person who knows this guy.  It's very hard on your mentals. I've learned that all I can control is how hard I work and train and when that opportunity comes to take advantage and don't hold back. If it wasn't for my Pops and Berry Randle pushing me and telling me not to give up and that it would work out I might have hung up the basketball shoes.  It was very hard to go to the gym every day and early in the mornings on the weekend and doing the same thing everyday and just waiting for your phone to ring and be told you are wanted somewhere. I've learned on this journey that brought me many open doors as well as shut doors that you can't give up and got to be patient for the right situation and think positive, which is hard to do, honestly.

Q | You've mentioned how much Berry Randle has helped you. Talk a little bit about his impact on your career.

Chad | Berry Randle has many connects in leagues after [the] long playing experience professionally he had himself as a player.  Berry always believed in me and knew I would do well down there, but it was hard to just get through the door and get my name out there.  So as soon as I got the opportunity finally to go [to Mexico] I knew this was it and he had me prepared to show them I belong.  After we won the championship and my performance, I felt like all the hard work and days in the gym we trained paid off finally for this opportunity.  My contract will be for the season and I believe our first game is March 12 against Mazaltan. The contract also takes care of my living arrangements and expenses. I expect to have a good season, make the playoffs and continue my basketball career in Mexico and other leagues in Europe.

Q | Having played the tournament in Mexico and getting ready to head there, is life vastly different down there?

Chad | Life is definitely different down there but nothing too extremely different.  All the places I have been to and played are different and unique.  You tend to like some things better and [disapprove] of others, but you learn to respect how things are and adjust to them.  I really enjoy traveling and going to places totally different and that's why I feel like I've always been able to play anywhere.  I believe it even starts from me - a West Coast kid (he's from Las Vegas) choosing to go to college at Coastal Carolina University all the way across the country.  I went from Las Vegas to Myrtle Beach.  Even that was a big difference of life I was used to.


Q | A lot of guys talk about the U.S. minor leagues as a stepping stone to get overseas. Was that the case for you? And how big of a role did those play for you?

Chad | I believe the minor leagues of basketball here in the U.S are stepping stones in a lot of players' professional careers.  I feel like these leagues, however, really didn't have a big role on my career because of the short stints I had with the ABA San Diego Surf only playing a few games before my Mexico opportunity arrived.  Playing in the WCBL with the Ventura Jets and also the ABA San Diego Surf did connect me with people and give me the opportunity to play and stay in shape - that I'm thankful for.


Q | What were some of the things you learned and accomplished at Coastal that are helping you basketball-wise and/or in life? And are there any specific memories that stuck out for you while playing there?

Chad | Playing for Coastal Carolina University those four years were great and something I will never forget or take back ever.  I learned many basketball and life lessons throughout my career at Coastal.  I also believe that comes from also playing for three different head coaches in my four years.  Yes, you can assume that was pretty hard to do as a player and it was and also had its moments on individuals and the team as a whole.  At the same time, I can say I played for and learned from three great coaches in Pete Strickland, who recruited me and brought me to Coastal and taught me many things throughout my freshman year and someone who I still communicate with to this day and throughout my pro basketball journey.  Then Buzz Peterson came to Coastal and turned it up for us as we had a great season my sophomore year that was a lot of fun as we won 20 games and came within one point and 7 seconds away from the NCAA tournament.  Buzz matured me as a basketball player and gave us so much wisdom and showed us to be accountable as men for how we act.  I still remember we used to have a quote of the day before every practice that we would have to memorized that would combine life and basketball together.  Then came in Cliff Ellis for my senior year, who brought so much knowledge, experience and success at every school he's been.  Coach Ellis is real big on being mentally prepared for the games, between walking through every situation and hours of film sessions, which really helped us.  I remember a funny moment in practice my senior year [when] we [were] preparing for a game and Coach Ellis was like, "I can prepare you but, damn ya'll got the hard part. You guys gotta go out there run and put the ball in the bucket."  Also the only coach that was there for all four of my years was Head Assistant Coach Jamie Kachmarik and he developed my game a lot through all the practices and workouts we had in those years and many conversations we've had about life and basketball. He was a big reason why I chose Coastal Carolina University in my recruiting process. I feel like as I go through my career and my life I see myself taking things from all three of them and applying it to myself. My favorite part about my experience at Coastal was my teammates and how close we all were throughout my four years and how many of us still talk to this day with each other.


Q | What is the ultimate goal right now? I know some guys look at playing outside of the U.S. as a ladder-type situation. Is your plan to wind up elsewhere after Mexico? Just tell me what your overall hopes and plans are in the hoops world.

Chad | My ultimate goal right now is to be successful down in Mexico and play well in the CIBA Copa and also the LNBP (Latin National Basketball Premier) next season when that starts.  I also wanna get over to Europe and play in the top leagues over there.  I wanna keep the ball bouncing as long as I can and make this a good career when its all said and done.

Above: Coastal Carolina alum Chad Ferguson dunks during a dunk contest he competed in while in Russia.

Rambling on Bobcats, the real slam dunk champ, trades and more

This is a big week in the NBA. All-Star Weekend is over, the trade deadline is Thursday and the Charlotte Bobcats could be sold soon, according to commissioner David Stern. Might as well ramble on and give thoughts on things to look for:

On Monday night Bobcats coach Larry Brown said minority owner Michael Jordan (yeah, that Michael Jordan) is doing all he can to buy the team. But there is competition. Summertime Myrtle Beach resident Raymond Felton, a Latta High grad, was quoted in saying he has heard it could happen and is for it. That's good for Charlotte and probably Felton, who is rumored to be a guy who wants to stay in the Carolinas - with the Bobcats. During the summer it was rumored he had a long-term deal with the team done, but later he signed the one-year tender. Thus, he will be a free agent this summer. Jordan said during the summer he wanted Felton, so it appears if both stay connected Felton will stay close to home. ... There was plenty of criticism of the NBA Dunk Contest after this weekend's lackluster event. Look to the D-League's highlight dunk during Dream Factory to see why the gripes make sense. The Los Angeles D-Fenders' Dar Tucker jumps over a 7-footer - a la Vince Carter in the Olympics - to clinch the win. And you can even hear from Florence's Carlos Powell in the clip. Watch it here: http://www.nba.com/video/channels/top_plays/2010/02/14/20100214_dleague_slam.nba/ ... There's plenty of trade talk out there with the deadline coming Thursday. I think a lot of it may be talk. Myrtle Beach's Ramon Sessions likely won't be involved despite earlier rumors teams were looking at him. Still, that doesn't mean he'll be a Timberwolve for long. He's in good shape with a 4-year deal, but it's clear the T'Wolves don't have long-term plans for him. If Spain's Ricky Rubio comes over this summer it sounds like Ramon will be dealt. Probably a good move for him. As far as other trades, I think the one on Saturday - Caron Butler for Josh Howard, essentially with others involved - may be the biggest we'll see. A lot of talk is on Amar'e Stoudemire being moved. Business-wise I think the Suns would be smart to get something for a guy who will leave after the season. However, they are in the playoff chase and have their fans thinking they have a chance. Moving him would take all the wind out of them. That's what complicates a lot of possible moves this year. With the sweepstakes of the 2010 offseason, can a contender - albeit not a real contender - deal a Stoudemire, Chris Bosh or even a Dwyane Wade and keep fans' interest? Probably not, so I don't think much will happen. A little Tyrus Thomas here, a little Troy Murphy there. No Amor'e. ... One move that I think could happen is Tracy McGrady to the Knicks - apparently the only team interested. But the D'Antonis and Co. renting him for two months really won't make a difference in the big picture. But I would root for it because, like when Allen Iverson had no takers earlier this year despite having plenty left, T-Mac deserves it too. He's still going to be a difference-maker. I just don't think Houston was a good fit for him. Why is Cleveland not talking about renting him? ... Jerry Stackhouse signed on with Bucks in the middle of January. It was good to see because he's another guy with something left who was given up on. Myrtle Beach High graduate Akeem Hemingway said he worked out with Stack recently and said he could still play. Get 'em Stack!

Sessions talks to Reno newspaper after being honored by Nevada

Myrtle Beach native Ramon Sessions reminisced on the great times he had at the University of Nevada-Reno on Saturday when he was honored by the school prior to the Wolf Pack's game against Boise State. Saturday was dubbed "Ramon Sessions Night."

Sessions called the university a "second home" when he spoke to the media after the game. Prior to the game he was presented with a framed No. 11 home white Wolf Pack jersey, which he wore for three years, and a highlight video of his playing days there was displayed for fans in attendance.

A particularly interesting part of the story is when Sessions was asked about his situation with the Minnesota Timberwolves and he said he has three years left on his contract but wasn't sure if they would be spent in Minnesota. He has popped up in trade rumors for this season, which has a deadline of Thursday. He has also been mentioned as a player who could be moved this summer if the Wolves reach an agreement with Ricky Rubio, who is still in Spain.

Below is the full story on the Reno Gazette-Journal's Web site, www.rgj.com.

By Chris Gabel
Reno Gazette-Journal

It had been three years since Ramon Sessions walked into the interview room at Lawlor Events Center and looked out at reporters and TV cameras. But -- other than the suit an NBA salary can get someone instead of a Wolf Pack jersey -- it was like he never left.

"Where are the box scores?" he asked as he sat down.

"This is like a second home to me," Sessions later added.

For three seasons, Reno and the Nevada campus were Sessions' home, and he returned Saturday night for the "Senior Night" he never received after deciding to turn pro following his junior season.

Sessions was given a framed No. 11 home white Wolf Pack jersey. Sessions and the crowd of 7,598 also were treated to a highlight video of the guard's best moments during the pregame ceremony prior to Nevada's 88-80 overtime win over Boise State.

"Look at that young guy; a young Ramon Sessions in a Wolf Pack uniform," the now-23-year-old Sessions said. "I remember those days like they were yesterday. They'll be with me forever."

A three-year starter, Sessions led Nevada to three WAC titles and three NCAA Tournament appearances. He is second on the Wolf Pack's career assists list with 478.

After being picked by the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round of the 2007 NBA draft, Sessions started his pro career in the Development League before setting a Milwaukee franchise record with 24 assists (to go with 20 points) against Chicago in March 2008.

He signed a four-year, $16 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves this past offseason and is averaging 10.3 points and five assists per game in his NBA career.

This season hasn't been quite what he thought it would be. Sessions is averaging career lows in points, assists and minutes.

"There's going to be an upside to this," Sessions said Saturday. "I'm just living the dream so I can't complain.

"I got three years left on my contract. I'm not sure if they'll be there (Minnesota) or not. We'll see what tomorrow brings."

Sessions was taken by Milwaukee with the 56th pick in 2007, about 30 picks later than many experts were predicating. But having already signed his second NBA contract, Sessions does not regret his decision to forgo his senior season at Nevada.

"A lot of guys look at the Web site here and there, but you got to get all the right information," Sessions said.

And he would reiterate the same if asked by any college player thinking about making the jump early -- Nevada's Armon Johnson and Luke Babbitt have been targeted as potential underclassmen who could leave school after this season.

"In my situation, people talked about me being late first round and I ended up being the 56th pick," Sessions said. "So you never know. If you decide to go, make the decision and live with it. Work as hard as you can.

"If they need me for anything, they can reach out to me."

Florence's Powell cold in All-Star game, but wins Shooting Stars

Florence native and former South Carolina standout Carlos Powell was 0-for-8 and didn't score Saturday as the Western Conference beat the East 98-81 in the NBA Development League All-Star game. Perhaps the cold shooting was because he used up his touch on Friday night.

Powell led a trio of himself, Pat Carroll and Trey Gilder to a victory in the Shooting Stars event in record fashion. Powell sunk a halfcourt shot on his first try to help the trio finish in an event record 15.6 seconds.

The threesome edged a team consisting of Desmon Farmer, Brian Butch and Donell Taylor in the event, which was part of the D-League's Dream Factory.

"I was telling everyone I had an advantage on them," the Wilson High graduate 
said in a story on the D-League's Web site. "I make that shot all the time in practice. So it felt pretty easy."

In the story Powell said the team didn't have a pre-set plan.

"We just try to put each person in a different situation where they wanted to be," Powell said in the story. "I wanted to be at the top of the key, so that's where I was. It was pretty simple.

Powell had a pair of rebounds and two steals in Saturday's All-Star game.

Nevada to hold "Ramon Sessions Night" before game Saturday

Myrtle Beach High School graduate Ramon Sessions left the University of Nevada-Reno a year early for the NBA draft, therefore, bypassing the chance to have a Senior Night.

The University is going to make sure he gets his time to shine Saturday night.

The Wolf Pack will honor Sessions, who currently plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves and will be off for the NBA's All-Star break, before their game against Boise State on Saturday night. Sessions will be presented with his No. 11 game jersey.

The Wolf Pack won the Western Athletic Conference championship and earned NCAA tournament berths in each of Sessions' three seasons on campus. Sessions finished second in the Nevada record books with 478 career assists.

Late last month Sessions told Dime Magazine his plans for the NBA All-Star break: "I’m not going out there [to the All-Star game in Dallas]. I’m going to go back to my college (Nevada), they’re retiring my jersey. So I’m going to go to Vegas/Reno! Get that a little bit!"

In his interview with Dime Magazine, Sessions also talks more about nearly winding up a Knick, his status with the T'Wolves so far and even about buying a house for his mom in Myrtle Beach.

To read the interview, go here: http://dimemag.com/2010/01/ramon-sessions-reveals-why-he-didnt-sign-with-the-knick/

Playing in Saudi Arabia like another world for Myrtle Beach's Galloway

Trello Galloway

Last season Myrtle Beach native Trello Galloway was playing professional basketball in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This year he followed his coach from Dubai to Saudi Arabia.

There's quite a difference between the two Middle Eastern areas.

Galloway went from being treated like a celebrity and having things to do all the time in Dubai to just finding ways to pass the time when not on the basketball court in Saudi Arabia.

It's quite a different life in Saudi Arabia and Galloway took a few minutes to talk about it recently.

Q | So how is life treating you in Saudi Arabia?

Trello | It's good. I'm playing pretty well but it's tough on me here in Saudi, meaning the living.

Q | What makes it difficult living there?

Trello | It's just different, just basketball and home. No life outside of basketball. It is really strict [in Saudi Arabia].The laws here are strict. It's the toughest Muslim country. I mean, really I do nothing but [go to] the gym and back to my compound.

Q | Often on TV in the U.S. we see violence in Middle Eastern countries. Is that a concern at all there? And is there like a curfew or anything?

Trello | Yeah, [there's a curfew] but there is nowhere to be and it's not really safe as an American to just be out anytime of the night. It's a safe place but you have extremists. I never ran into any but i heard they are here - [those who] hate toward Americans. But most [of them] love us.

Q | Any strict rules in particular you can cite?

Trello | You can't wear shorts.

Q | Would you get arrested for that or anything?

Trello | Yes.

Q | So what do you do to pass the time?

Trello | Video games, [talk] on the phone with my girl, [good friend] Ramon [Sessions of the Minnesota Timerwolves], and keem (good friend Akeem Hemingway, who is playing in Mexico]. And I'm on the Net all day. We train a lot, but it's good cause it helps the day pass faster.

It may be tough, but Trello is too. And he has plenty of backers in Myrtle Beach and beyond. He said he talked to his 3-year-old daughter the other day and she said, "Before my game she told me to make to points for her." Galloway also has a 9-month old son.