FORMER US PREP STAR TO PLAY IN JBL

Is 19 year-old Jeremy Tyler the second coming of Brandon Jennings? The former San Diego High School star has signed to play with JBL’s Tokyo Apache beginning next season. Tyler, who had a disappointing stint in the Israeli League, is the second US high school star to play overseas after Jennings, who is now with the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA. Apache coach Bob Hill, who is a former NBA coach, is ecstatic on Tyler’s joining of the Japanese pro club. The 6-11 Tyler was  labeled a bust when he saw action for 10 games with Maccabi Haifa, wherein he submitted norms of 2.1 ppg and 1.9 rpg. Tyler is expected to join the 2011 NBA rookie draft.

"We are extremely excited for Jeremy to join our team in Tokyo. His athleticism and size will be a major presence in our frontcourt this season."

NOTHING WRONG

New Jersey Nets brand new owner Mikhail Prokhorov wonders why there are so many negative comments surrounding the “three kings” team-up in the Miami Heat. The Russian tycoon believes that there is nothing wrong with the decision of LeBron James and Chris Bosh to join forces with Dwyane Wade at the Heat camp. In a USA Today article, Prokhorov said that it’s every owners’ dream to have a triple threat on their team.

“The players are signed, the "Decision" is made, but the passions around this year's extraordinary class of NBA free agents refuses to die down. What surprises me is the amount of negative commentary directed at the three top free agents (especially LeBron James) who decided to play on the same team and to create a great franchise together. Of course, any club owner dreams of having those players, including me, but all questions of how the announcements were made aside, I respect their choice, and no one has the right to judge them.”

NO DIVISION

With so many international players in its roster, many believe that there is a division between American and foreign players in the locker room of the Toronto Raptors. But Andrea Bargnani said in an interview with HoopsHype.com, that there is no such thing that exist in the Raptors camp.

“There wasn’t any division, no. We were cool. Of course with European guys you have more things to talk about, right? It’s common sense. But we were cool with everybody and friends with everybody. If I speak with Jose (Calderon), I got more things to speak about because we come from almost the same place and we can talk about the cities we’ve been in Spain or Italy.”

SUIT HIM UP

Talk N Text Phonepals stand-by import Omar Shariff Sneed is no slouch. Based on his previous overseas stints, he is highly regarded as a winner, a leader and a pumped-up kind of player. His no-nonsense approach to the game had endeared him to his European clubs. TNT coach Chot Reyes must play Sneed now or else, he may have regrets for not suiting him up for the crucial game five of the PBA Fiesta Conference semis series against the Alaska Aces with the playoffs all squared at two games apiece. For sure, Sneed wants to see action tonight for TNT, and that will avoid him of any johnny-come-lately or too-late-the-hero scenario. The 6-6 former University of Memphis standout was described by his former teammate at Maccabi Rishon in the Israeli League, John Gilchrist, as a hardworker and an all-around performer.

“He's been unbelievable in all our games. He's carried us emotionally, he's really pumped the team up when we needed it, and he just comes every day and works hard. He really wants to win more than the opponent, and you know he's going to give 110 [percent] every time he plays, and you feel comfortable that you've got a guy that's going to go to war with you night in and night out. He can make the big shots, and he doesn't shy away from the moment.”

DEJECTED

Before the start of the USA Basketball training camp, Reigning NBA rookie of the year Tyreke Evans of the Sacramento Kings, was very excited and is looking forward of proudly wearing his country’s colors in the FIBA World Basketball Championships in Turkey next month. But unfortunately, the 6-6 former University of Memphis star was cut from the final fifteen lineup of coach Mike Krzyzewski, according to an article in the Sacramento Bee. Evans’ shattered dream actually began and ended during the first day of the camp when he suffered a sprained left ankle in practice. USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said he feels sorry for a talent like Evans. Colangelo further said that Evans could have been a vital cog for the Nationals.

"Tyreke never had a shot. He got a bad break and became very dejected. He literally went into a shell. What we told him to go forward was, 'Lift your head. You can't worry about what you can't control. We obviously have great interest in you. We'll see you again.’ ”

HOMECOMING

After an aborted homecoming in Boston, Eddie House opted for another one as he rejoined the Miami Heat on a $2.8 Million, 2-year deal. Agent Mark Bartelstein confirmed the deal according to Miami Herald. With a powerhouse team in Miami anchored on the “three kings”, the 10-year veteran looks forward of winning his second NBA title in three years. House was a valuable reserve for the 2008 Celtics championship team. The Heat drafted House in the 2nd round of the 2000 rookie draft. House played for three years in Miami from 2000 to 2003.

“It's just a great fit. This guy had a great relationship with the Heat before. And he's still one of the most dynamic guys coming off the bench at hitting big shots in big moments. He's the best in the league at what he does.''

WAFER GET CELTICS NOD

Von Wafer foiled any hopes of a homecoming for Eddie House in Beantown. The Boston Celtics finally found a microwave-type of a player who can ignite bench scoring in the 25 year-old former Florida State University star. Wafer, the surprise package of the Houston Rockets two years ago, agreed to a one-year deal with the Celtics, according to hoopsworld.com. The 6-5 swingman played for Olympiacos in Greece last season. He is a four-year NBA veteran with career averages of 6.2 ppg and 1.3 rpg in 109 total games with the Los Angeles Lakers (who selected him in the 2nd round of the 2005 rookie draft), Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers and Rockets.

“The Boston Celtics have signed Von Wafer to a one-year contract, according to sources close to the situation. The deal will be fully guaranteed and worth the veteran's minimum.”

BUCK BUCKLES DOWN TO WORK

Newly-hired Portland Trail Blazers assistant coach Buck Williams sounds very excited about his new job. He told the OregonLive.com in an interview that he is ready to buckle down to work on whatever assignment head coach Nate McMillan hands him. He also said that it is a great opportunity to learn by working closely with the senior assistant coaches of the team to further hone his mentoring skills.

"My angle is going to be whatever coach Nate McMillan wants it to be. I'm going to line myself up with what he's doing and when he seeks my advice I'll be there and give him my (advice) on issues with the frontcourt or the guards or whatever. But I'm just here to learn. To have the kind of coaching staff we have, with coach (Bernie) Bickerstaff and (Bob) Ociepka and the other guys that have been here, it's just a great opportunity for me and a great opportunity to learn from some of the best coaches in the league.”

ANOTHER BIG FUNDAMENTAL?

In an interview with NBA.Fanhouse.com, New Jersey Nets head coach Avery Johnson said that newbie Derrick Favors reminds him of Tim Duncan in many ways and foremost is both are very coachable. The 6-10 Favors was selected by the Nets as the third over-all pick in last month’s NBA rookie draft out of Georgia Tech. Favors averaged 12.4 ppg and 8.4 rpg in his only college ball season. He also submitted norms of 10.6 ppg and 6.8 rpg for the Nets in the Orlando Summer League. Johnson and Duncan were San Antonio Spurs teammates when the Alamo City outfit won its first ever NBA title in 1999.

"He reminds me of Duncan in the way he's coachable. Duncan was that way, very coachable, but also very skilled. Duncan came in with the left and the right hand and came in with the ability to shoot the ball. And this kid didn't even go through college as long as Duncan.”

IGGY CONTINUES TO IMPRESS AT USA BASKETBALL CAMP

Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski like what he sees in Philadelphia 76ers swingman Andre Iguodala at the USA Basketball training camp. And with the Duke University mentor highly impressed by Iggy's over-all game, the 6-6 former University of Arizona standout was rewarded a slot in the 15-man line-up to the FIBA World Basketball Championships in Turkey next month, the Philly Daily News reported.

"He wants to be on this team, and that's impressed us. He had as good a week as anybody in Las Vegas. He was efficient offensively, took easy shots, was a very good outside shooter. We think he can drive the ball. His athleticism on the defensive end...he's one of the best in the NBA. We see him more at the three (small forward) or on the wing possibly being a shut down defender."

NBA PLAYERS MOURN THE LOSS OF LORENZEN WRIGHT

NBA players throughout the league sent their sympathies to the family of the late Lorenzen Wright, who played 13 years in the pros. According to hoopshype.com, the players were shocked and saddened with the untimely loss of one of the most friendliest and well-liked players in the league. Here are some of the messages made via tweeter.com:


Josh Childress (Phoenix Suns):

“RIP to my big homie Lorenzen Wright. He was a great guy and great teammate. He will be missed by all who loved him. Pray for his family.”

Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets):

“Sending out prayers to Lorenzen Wright family. He will be missed around the NBA. Hope this open people eyes. Nothing in life is guaranteed.”

Hakim Warrick (Phoenix Suns):

“Just woke up to some horrible news... Thoughts and prayers go out to Lorenzen Wright's family.”

Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City):

“Send a prayer out to the family of Lorenzen Wright and anybody else that passed today.”

Rashard Lewis (Orlando Magic):

“Just heard some sad news, NBA just lost 1 of our own. Sending my prayers to his family. RIP LORENZEN WRIGHT God bless.”

THE HUNT FOR RUDY-F IS ON

Now it can be told. Three teams are considered frontrunners to claim disgruntled Spanish star Rudy Fernandez from the Portland Trail Blazers, according to OregonLive.com. The Boston Celtics, New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls has the inside track to acquire the 25-year old swingman via a trade. Fernandez was said to be unhappy because of the limited playing time with he Blazers. Portland coach Nate McMillan said he can make things workout for Fernandez and his team but it seems there is no stopping the Spanish National team member from bolting out the Blazers camp.

"I totally understand how he feels. He was a star in his league. He was Brandon Roy. Now, he's playing behind an All-Star and the minutes are really limited. For me, I can make it work, but it's not about me. It's about him."

GONE TOO SOON

NBA veteran forward Lorenzen Wright is dead at 34. After a week of massive police search for the missing former University of Memphis star, his body was found in the wooded area of Hacks Cross and Winchester Road in Southeast Memphis on Wednesday, according to MyEyeWitnessNews.com. Wright’s body has multiple gunshot wounds. The 6-11 Memphis native, who was the seventh pick over-all in the 1996 draft, played 13 years in the NBA with career averages of 7.9 ppg and 6.3 rpg in 779 total games with the Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings and Cleveland Cavaliers. He last played in the NBA during the 2008-09 season. In a phone interview with Memphis Commercial Appeal, Grizzlies team owner Michael Heisley, who is currently in London, was emotionally shaken-up upon learning of Wright’s death. 

“Lorenzen never backed down from any challenge given him, whether it was guarding Shaq (Shaquille O’Neal) or anyone else. He was a team player, a great locker room guy. There was never an instance that I talked to him when he wasn’t a positive, outstanding guy. 

“I am heartbroken today. I’m sure there’s a lot of people in Memphis who are very, very sad. He was a good man who had his share of tough times, and I’ve got to believe he’s in a better place.”

Video: WHY CP3 WILL REMAIN A HORNET

EX-PBA IMPORT TAKES HELM AS NBA D-LEAGUE COACH

Remember Darvin Ham? Yes, the 6-7 forward of the 2004 NBA champion Detroit Pistons and the former import of Talk N Text Phonepals in the 2006 PBA Fiesta Conference. According to NBA.Fanhouse.com, the ex-Texas Tech star was named as the new head coach of the New Mexico Thunderbirds in the NBA D-League. Ham served as assistant coach with the T-Birds for the last two seasons. Ham played eight years in the NBA with career averages of 2.7 ppg and 2.3 rpg in 417 total games with the Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards, Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks and the Pistons. He averaged 16 ppg in his short PBA stint. Shane Edwards, a forward with the T-Birds, credited Ham for his progress in the D-League, which eventually culminated in an invitation from the Nuggets to play in the NBA Summer League.

"(Ham) knows the game very well because he's played it for so long that he has an excellent understanding of the game from a player's perspective and was able to teach me how to do the little things. I also worked with Darvin to develop my post skills. He gave me stuff I could work with on the block and off the block, and I think my post skills got a lot better. I really learned a lot from him."

NEW HOMECOURT NAME FOR THE SIXERS

The Wells Fargo Center is the new name of the Philadelphia 76ers homecourt beginning next season, according to ESPN. The building was constructed in 1996 and was originally known as Spectrum II. It has gone several name changes during the last 14 years such as CoreStates Center, First Union Center and Wachovia Center, in honor of the arena sponsor.

"The name of the arena that is home to the Philadelphia Flyers and 76ers has been changed from the Wachovia Center to the Wells Fargo Center.

"Comcast-Spectacor, which owns and operates the 21,000-seat venue, says the change reflects the change in the financial institutions. Wells Fargo bought Wachovia in December 2008."

TITLE DREAMS WITH STAN

Coach Stan Van Gundy has the all-out support and confidence of the Orlando Magic. According to the Orlando Sentinel, Both Van Gundy and General Manager Otis Smith had their respective contracts with the Magic extended up to the 2012-13 season. This means that the title aspirations of the Magic will remain in the hands of Van Gundy. He led the Magic to the finals in 2009 and to the Conference semis this past campaign. The 50 year-old California native has an NBA career coaching record of 282-149 win-loss record (.654) in six seasons with the Miami Heat and the Magic.

"The Orlando Magic will put their title hopes into the hands of coach Stan Van Gundy and General Manager Otis Smith for a while longer.

"The Magic will announce Wednesday that Van Gundy and Smith have had their contracts extended through the 2012-13 season."

INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR

Even with the departure of Turkish Hedo Turkoglu to the Phoenix Suns, the Toronto Raptors continue the advocacy of tapping international talents for the team. After taking in Brazilian Leandro Barbosa from the Turkoglu-deal with the Suns, the Maple Leaf City outfit has snatched Lithuanian Linas Kleiza from the Denver Nuggets, according to Yahoo! Sports. Toronto signed the four-year veteran forward to an offer sheet which the Nuggets decided not to match. The 6-8 Kleiza suited up for the Greek club Olympiakos last season after spending four seasons with the Mile High City outfit. Kleiza has career norms of 8.3 ppg and 3.5 rpg in 301 total outings. Aside from Barbosa and Kleiza, the Raptors has four other non-American players in its current roster such as Andrea Bagnani and Marco Belinelli of Italy, Jose Calderon of Spain and Rasho Nesterovic of Slovenia.

"Toronto has signed free agent Linas Kleiza to a multiyear contract.

The Raptors acquired the rights to Kleiza nine days ago when the Denver Nuggets opted not to match Toronto’s offer sheet."

READY TO BE TRADED

Spanish Rudy Fernandez has already accepted his fate with the Portland Trail Blazers and said he is ready to be dealt to another team, according to El Mundo Deportivo. Once considered as the fave player of the Blazers owner, both Fernandez and the Blazers are now headed for a divorce. And all signs point towards that direction as far as the 25 year-old, Palma de Mallorca native is concerned. The 6-6 swingman played two seasons in Portland, submitting norms of 9.4 ppg, 2.7 rpg and 2.0 apg in 140 total games. Fernandez was selected by the Phoenix Suns as the 24th pick over-all in the 2007 NBA rookie draft but his rights was immediately traded to the Blazers.

“Portland is willing to make a trade and the truth is I'm pleased they want to do it. Now we have to find a team where I can have an important role or where I can find the dynamics I enjoyed in Portland the first year. My agents are in the United States, they are speaking with them and if something comes up they will travel to Portland."

EXCITED AND MOTIVATED

The feeling of dismay has turned into feeling of excitement. That is exactly what Kirk Hinrich had felt during the last two months. According to ESPN, he said he was shocked and surprised when the Chicago Bulls traded him to the Washington Wizards. But now, having the number one pick over-all in the 2010 NBA rookie draft John Wall on board, the 6-3 former University of Kansas standout is looking forward to a promising season with the Capital City outfit. With a deep backcourt rotation that includes Wall and the comebacking Gilbert Arenas, Hinrich may see some minutes at the number two position and this further motivates him. His versatility will be tested once more. Hinrich, 29, played seven seasons for the Bulls (who selected him with the seventh pick over-all in he 2003 draft) with career norms of 13.4 ppg and 5.8 apg in 514 total games.

"Whenever you get the No. 1 pick and a guy has talented as John, you have the young cast around him, its a sense of rebuilding. But I feel like we have the talent and if we play the right way and consistently play hard every night, I feel like we can surprise a lot of people.

"I'm very appreciative of my time in Chicago, they gave me an opportunity to first of all become a pro player and then grow as one. I was in Chicago for so long and I appreciate my opportunity, but I'm excited to go to a new organization. It's like almost coming into the league again. I'm very motivated and excited to play great basketball."

WILL IT BE THE BULLS FOR T-MAC?

Free-agent Tracy McGrady has completed his workout with the Chicago Bulls and said he loves the Windy City to be his next destination, according to ESPN-Chicago. Prior to his scrimmage in Chicago, T-Mac has also worked out with the Los Angeles Clippers. He also said he is very excited to have the opportunity to play with Bulls star Derrick Rose, whom he describes as maybe the best point guard he will be playing with in his NBA career, if ever the deal pushes through with Chicago. The Bulls will most likely play T-Mac off the bench if they sign him up.

"This was a great team, a pretty good team, without adding myself and Carlos Boozer, and some of the key players that they added this offseason. You bring a coach in like [Tom] Thibodeau, who's very defensive minded, very smart and knows the game, knows what to get out of his players.

"I think we can be really good, I really do. I feel good. "I've been battling to get back to rare form for two years, coming off of microfracture surgery, and it's been a tough road. But I feel pretty good compared to my last game I played in New York.”

EDDIE BACK IN CELTICS’ HOUSE?

The sharpshooter, who brought instant offense off the bench in the Boston Celtics championship run in 2008, maybe back in Beantown. Yes, Eddie House could be a Celtic again next season. According to Boston.com, talks are now going on between Celtics’ President Danny Ainge and Mark Bartelstein, agent of House, in a bid to further bolster the second unit of the Celtics. The  6-1 former Arizona State hotshot was traded by the Celtics last February to the New York Knicks for another bench spark plug in Nate Robinson. House is a 10-year NBA veteran with a career scoring average of 7.6 ppg and shoots .390 of his 3-point FG attempts. Additionally, House is a deadshot from the FT line with a lifetime shooting percentage of .841 including an impressive .1000 clip (12-out-of-12) in 18 games with the Knicks last season. House, 32, is also a well-traveled player in the league with stops in Miami Heat, LA Clippers, Charlotte Bobcats, Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, New Jersey Nets, Celtics and Knicks.

 “It’s something [Celtics president] Danny [Ainge] and I have discussed. But nothing’s imminent.”

STILL A HORNET

All is well that ends well? That seems likely on the part of Chris Paul staying as the franchise face of the New Orleans Hornets. The 6-0 point guard said in his TwitLonger account that the meeting he had with Hornets coach Monty Williams, GM Dell Demps and President Hugh Weber, came out positively and is looking forward of remaining a Hornet for years to come. Paul hugged the headlines in the recent weeks demanding a trade.

“The meeting went well.  It was great to get an opportunity to sit down with Coach Williams, President Weber and our new General Manager Dell Demps. I expressed my desire to win and I like what they said about the direction that they want to take the team.  I have been a Hornet my entire career and I hope to represent the city of New Orleans and state of Louisiana for many years to come.”

Video: HISTORY OF THE WARRIORS LOGO

The Golden State Warriors is an NBA pioneer franchise. Established in 1946 as the Philadelphia Warriors, the Pennsylvania-based squad bagged the first-ever Basketball Association of America (BAA) championship, which will later become the National Basketball Association (NBA). After 15 years, the Warriors moved its franchise West to San Francisco in 1962. In 1971, the Warriors were on the move again, this time to Oakland and renamed themselves as the Golden State Warriors. The team’s last championship was in 1975, when they upset the Washington Bullets in a four-game sweep. Among the notable stars of the 1975 squad coached by Al Attles, includes Rick Barry, Keith Wilkes, Phil Smith and Clifford Ray.

IN DANGER

Talk N Text import Shawn Daniels is in danger of being shipped out. Quinito Henson, in his Sporting Chance column in the PhilStar today, cited the poor performance of the 31-year-old former Utah State standout in game three of the ongoing PBA semis series against the Alaska Milk Aces, where the latter enjoys a 2-1 lead in the best of seven tiff. Daniels scored a measly four points in the Phonepals 90-86 defeat to the Aces last Sunday. Former Golden State Warriors swingman and ex-Ginebra San Miguel reinforcement Chris Porter is said to be available to fly-in as possible replacement for Daniels.

“At the moment, the only import whose stay seems to be in danger is Talk ‘N’ Text’s Shawn Daniels who should know what it’s like playing in the PBA as an import because this is his fourth contract since 2005 when he powered Air21 to third place in the Fiesta Conference.

“Seven locals in coach Tim Cone’s lineup outscored Daniels who went 2-of-7 from the field and 0-of-3 from the line in a woeful showing. It was the sixth game of 21 this conference where Daniels failed to score in double figures.

“Daniels’ inability to keep in step with the Texters’ running attack is clearly a cause for coach Chot Reyes’ concern.”

SLAM PRESENTS LEBRON/ KOBE

I would like to welcome back the Montenegro couple (my sis Mimie and bro-in-law Arnold), who are back home and fresh from a much-deserving three-day Hongkong sojourn. They likewise brought me home a SLAM PRESENTS special collector’s issue magazine featuring the two biggest NBA stars of today in Lebron James and Kobe Bryant, for which I’m very thankful. According to SLAM Editor Ben Osborne, it took them sometime to finish the magazine, which gathers stories on the hoop careers of these two future Hall-of-Famers from their prep days to their current status as NBA superstars. 

“SLAM’s publisher and I—with the backing of the rest of our staff—have been wanting to do an issue like this (flip covers, 100 pages, with each guy getting 50, and a dope pullout poster in the middle to separate them) for a good 18 months now. But it took time to gather up the stories, build up the photo archives, and get Nike on board with some ad support. We finally got all the key commitments around late March and slotted this in to drop during the Conference Finals. Well, here we are.

“Trust me: if you like one or both of these players, and/or just want a keepsake of NBA basketball in 2010, you need this magazine."