11-28-2007, 04:16 AM
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#1 (permalink)
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Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 5,457
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JSonline: Ivey gives Bucks a defensive spark
Quote:
Milwaukee Bucks general manager Larry Harris wanted a defensive mentality when he was searching for backcourt depth in mid-September.
It appears Harris got exactly what he desired - and more - when he signed free-agent guard Royal Ivey.
The former Atlanta Hawks player has made a positive impression in limited minutes while playing behind starting point guard Mo Williams.
"He loves to play defense, and he's a very capable offensive player," said Bucks coach Larry Krystkowiak. "Maybe he's flown under the radar screen in his early time in the league.
"He's a diamond in the rough for us. He really brings a lot of energy to practice."
The 6-foot-4 Ivey is another unheralded second-round draft choice that has found a home with the Bucks. He was taken with the 37th overall pick in the 2004 draft by Atlanta and played three seasons with the Hawks, but he found himself searching for a team this summer.
"I was in Cleveland working out for the Cavs for four days," Ivey said, "and my agent called me up and said Milwaukee wants to bring you in. I said, 'I'm going to go down there and work out for a couple days.' I came out here, and I guess I fit the mold."
Ivey had a breakout game with 15 points, two assists and two steals in just 15 minutes against Cleveland on Nov. 20, in a 111-107 Bucks victory on the road.
On Tuesday night, Ivey finished with nine points and two steals in 21 minutes, but the Bucks lost for the first time on their home court, falling to the Philadelphia 76ers, 114-99, in a lackluster effort.
"We started off sluggish in the first and third (quarters), and it's hard to fight back," Ivey said. "We keep on digging ourselves a hole."
Ivey was part of a reserve unit that rallied the Bucks in the second quarter, after the 76ers built a 32-18 lead after one period. Ivey sank a three-pointer and a pair of two-point jumpers, and his steal set up Williams for a short jumper.
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I'm glad we signed him, and he didn't end up in Cleveland!
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JSonline: Ivey gives Bucks a defensive spark
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