04-06-2008, 06:04 AM
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#1 (permalink)
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Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 5,454
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Deiner finds a place in Indiana
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He needed a coach who recognized his potential, someone who could fit the basketball skills honed on driveways in Fond du Lac and later at Marquette University into the framework of the pro game.
Travis Diener, meet Jim O'Brien.
The 56-year-old coach, who previously guided the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers, took over the Indiana Pacers this season and brought a disciplined approach that fit well with the third-year point guard.
Diener simply was looking for a chance, after playing sparingly in his first two National Basketball Association seasons with the Orlando Magic.
"These last 40 games are what I envisioned when I signed here this past summer," Diener said on Friday. "Things have gone well."
Diener is coming off the bench now after starting in 21 games, but he is getting regular playing time and is being used to finish games by O'Brien.
On Friday night against the Milwaukee Bucks, Diener played the final 5 minutes 12 seconds and assumed a key role as the Pacers grabbed a 105-101 victory to stay alive in the Eastern Conference playoff chase. The Bucks and Pacers meet again today at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis in their final matchup of the season.
"I'm happy with the way I've improved over the year," Diener said. "It's been a solid year for me. As a team, we've had our fair share of injuries. Without Jermaine (O'Neal), it's tough, losing your best player.
"We've battled; we're still in the playoff race. Obviously, we'd like to win a whole lot more. If things don't work out this year, we just build on it for next year and make the playoffs next year."
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Ex-Marquette star Diener fits into Pacers' game plan
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Deiner finds a place in Indiana
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