Off The Glass

Ramon Sessions says he'll push Mo Williams for Cavs' starting PG job

Myrtle Beach native Ramon Sessions had vowed to push for starting point guard position with the Cleveland Cavaliers, eeven if that means he'll have to beat out good friend Mo Williams for the job.

Check out what he told the Cleveland Plain Dealer upon being introduced. 

Coastal Carolina alum Leasure to hold camp at Carolina Forest

Jack Leasure Shooting and Skills Camp

When | Sept. 17-19

Where | Carolina Forest High School

More information | jackleasurebasketball.com

Myrtle Beach's Ramon Sessions traded to Cleveland Cavaliers

Myrtle Beach native Ramon Sessions is on the move again.

Sessions was traded Monday night along with Ryan Hollins from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Delonte West, Sebastian Telfair and a future second-round pick.

It had been speculated for a couple weeks that Sessions would be traded after the Timberwolves signed Luke Ridnour to a four-year deal. That left a crowded point guard corps with starter Jonny Flynn, Sessions and Ridnour all on Minnesota's roster.

"I kind of knew I would be traded based on what my agent had told me," Sessions said Monday night via phone from Atlanta. "I feel good. I'm happy to be wanted by another team. I'm just happy to be a part of Cleveland."

For a full story, check out Tuesday's sports section.

Video of Coastal Carolina alum Pele Paelay playing in France

Former Coastal Carolina standout Pele Paelay spent last season playing professional basketball in France. Check out video of him playing in this YouTube video.

Myrtle Beach's Trello Galloway reflects on season in Saudi Arabia

I spoke with Myrtle Beach High School graduate Trello Galloway last week about his season in Saudia Arabia this past fall/winter/spring.

Galloway, who has played several years overseas, organized his close friend Ramon Sessions' youth basketball camp last week and, while there, he spoke about his season in the Middle East.

It was quite a different experience for him, he said.

"It was tough. I was in Saudi Arabia in Jeddah. I was there for six months. Just the experience was different. I was used to something more free and open or more Westernized like Spain and Dubai," Galloway said. "It was the toughest place I've played in. One of the most interesting places I've played in. I got a chance to learn the culture a little bit more than Dubai, you know, that Middle Eastern, Arabic culture. It was tough on me though.

"The season was pretty good. I went over with an ankle injury and played about four months on a bum ankle. I averaged about 14 [points] and nine rebounds  a game. We won a league championship. We lost in the finals of the playoffs. It was pretty good. I can't complain. But would I want to go back to Saudi Arabia to play again? The answer to that is NO."

As for next season?

"I've got a few offers coming in. I've been talking to a team in Bahrain, Lebanon, some teams from Dubai. I got a phone call this morning from a team in Dubai," said Galloway, who played in Dubai the  year before. "To be honest, if I have it my way, I'll end up back in Dubai. I'm trying to not think about it too much right now ... because when it's time to go back, it's time to go back. I'm trying to stay home, enjoy the family, you know, enjoy [being with friends] Akeem [Hemingway] and Ramon and Damien [Singleton] and Darius [Hemingway] and the guys. Just hang out a little bit. You know, back home buddies."

Sessions tells USA Today he expects to stay with Timberwolves

Myrtle Beach native Ramon Sessions told USA Today on Tuesday that he expects to remain with the Minnesota Timberwolves despite trade rumors that have been swirling around him for a little over a week.

Minnesota is expected to introduce new signee Luke Ridnour Wednesday. His signing is what spurred rumors that Sessions would be dealt.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been rumored to be the likeliest suitor for Sessions via trade. But according to the USA Today report, Sessions doesn't expect to be dealt. Below is the story:

OWATONNA, Minn. | Reserve point guard Ramon (rah-MAHN') Sessions says he expects to remain with the Minnesota Timberwolves this season.

Sessions spoke Tuesday during a stop at Owatonna High School on the team's summer caravan.

He says he embraces the challenge of competing for playing time at his position, with Jonny Flynn and Luke Ridnour. Sessions has been rumored as a strong candidate to be traded.

Sessions appeared with teammate Corey Brewer and assistant coach J.B. Bickerstaff, helping conduct a free youth basketball clinic, working on dribbling, shooting and defensive drills. The Wolves contingent also goes to Willmar and Brainerd this week.

Brewer says he was sad to see teammate Al Jefferson traded last week and hopes he doesn't have to relocate himself.

Recap of NBA Summer League for players, coach from area

The Associated Press

West Brunswick High graduate Cedric Simmons (right).

Several area players and one coach were involved in NBA Summer League action, which wrapped up Sunday. Below is how each of them finished up:

Longtime Socastee coach Dan D'Antoni, who was the head coach of the New York Knicks squad in Las Vegas: Led Knicks to 3-2 mark.

West Brunswick (N.C.) High School graduate Cedric Simmons, who played for the Philadelphia 76ers in Orlando and Minnesota Timberwolves in Las Vegas: Averaged 6.6 points, 3 rebounds and a steal in 17 minutes per game in five contests (one start) with Philadelphia; averaged 2 points and 2.6 rebounds in 11.4 minutes per game in five contests with Minnesota

Florence native and Wilson High School graduate Carlos Powell, who played for the Knicks: Averaged 3 points and 2.2 rebounds in 13 minutes per game in five contests (four starts).

Sessions to be part of Cavaliers' post-LeBron rebuilding project?

The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly interested in Ramon Sessions, whom the Minnesota Timberwolves have given strong indications they will be trading soon.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported the interest and NBA FanHouse reports that a trade could be Sessions and Kosta Koufos for Delante West, who could essentially be waived to save money after the trade.

Stay tuned.

Sessions-to-Bobcats rumors likely dead with Livingston signing

Recent rumors said Charlotte was a likely new home via trade for Myrtle Beach native Ramon Sessions, who reportedly is being shopped by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

But that idea is likely dead now that the Bobcats signed Shaun Livington.

Now, based on several Web reports, the Cleveland Cavaliers seem to be the most-speculated team to be considering trading for his services. However, that doesn't mean there aren't more teams; it just means the Cavs have popped up several times in the rumor world.

Rumors were swirling around Sessions for a few days before they became even more likely when the Timberwolves signed Luke Ridnour. Once that deal was done it became obvious that Sessions would be on his way out of Minnesota. To where and when? Those seems to be the only questions left because the Timberwolves already have Jonny Flynn as their starter and Ridnour will be the new backup.

Sessions has said he believes he can be a starter in the NBA and he has started several games; however, he has yet to secure a permanent starting position with a team. This could be his chance, depending on where he winds up. In Charlotte he would have had a good chance to start unless D.J. Augustin beat him out for the position. In Cleveland he would likely have to back up Mo Williams as of now.

A lot can happen in a little bit of time and there are likely other teams talking with the Wolves. I wouldn't be surprised if something happens very soon.

Sessions on Miami's Big 3, Jefferson trade, Beasley addition, more

Myrtle Beach native Ramon Sessions - who plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves -  was at Myrtle Beach High School on Tuesday for his annual youth camp, which is this week. I talked to him for a story and also a bunch of other things. Here's what wasn't in the story:

On T'Wolves' acquisition of Michael Beasley: Great talent, he's still young. He's still trying to find his way in the league. A pick-up like that, you've got to take him. You've got no choice. That situation in Miami they were just having to clear up some money, so he had to go. But he's a great talent. He'll be a great asset to the team.

On potential Al Jefferson trade to Utah, which was confirmed just hours after the interview: I was with big fella last weekend and he told me it was between Utah and Dallas, so that's what it's looking like now. I don't know how far it's gone, but he said that to me about a week ago. That's a big loss, man. A guy like Al, he's a 20 and 10 guy night in, night out. He's gonna be missed, if that's the case that he's gone. Either way, he's going to a great team.

On what he's been doing so far this summer: Playing golf. Working out man, just enjoying the summer. This is my first summer that is stress-free. I don't have the NBA summer league, I ain't gotta worry about a contract. So I've been back and forth here and Atlanta, just hanging out and just coming back here and enjoying the kids not having to worry about nothing.

On West Brunswick (N.C.) grad Cedric Simmons, who is on the T'Wolves' summer league team: Ced's a great talent out of N.C. State. When Ced was in the league, matter of fact, he was in Sacramento and I was at Nevada and he would give me tickets to the games. I know Ced real well. He's a great guy and hopefully he can stick on with some team.

On Florence native Carlos Powell, who is on the Knicks' summer league team: Carlos Powell, he deserves a shot on an NBA team. What the guy's done in the D-League you can't sleep on.

On his status in the league and with Minnesota: I've put in my time. I know I can play in this league and I feel like I'm a starter, no question. But I'm in a situation where we've got a great guy in [Jonny] Flynn. He's gonna be a great player. I understand that's what they have to do, but I feel like I can play on any team. If I get traded that just means [I play for] somebody else, that's all that means.

On whether him playing at shooting guard some next season is a good idea: To me it is. But it's not something we've talked about, me playing the 2 next season. But it's still early on. As of right now I'll still be playing the 1.

On the new Big Three (LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh) teaming up in Miami: I was happy for those guys. I mean, LeBron, he's been in the league for a while and has done everything that's been asked of him. It was his decision and I'm not mad at him, ending up with D-Wade and Chris Bosh. I'm happy for them. Miami is gonna be really good. Fan-wise they're probably the favorite, but they're going to have to work for it. It's gonna be a great season, man. I'm really looking forward to it.

On not having to worry about his contract this season, which was possible when he was a restricted free agent last year: It's really nice that I got it out of the way because last summer was real stressful. Some days I'd wake up and I may want to fire my agent because I didn't know - that was my first time going through that situation. But I'm glad I don't have to worry about it now and I'm just fortunate not to have to deal with it this summer.