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JGKoblenz · 02-27-2004, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Samuel Dalembert knows where his focus must be.

As the 76ers' only healthy credible inside presence, the 6-11 third-year center is fully aware that if his team is going to make a down-the-stretch run to squeeze into the playoffs, he must be a tangible part of that effort.

Dalembert knows his coaches and teammates need his full attention.

Still, lately Dalembert acknowledged there are times when his thoughts drift away from the NBA and what the Sixers are going through.

Sometimes the magnitude of what's happening in the real world can't help but intrude.

Yesterday in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, news reports said youths patrolled the streets carrying shotguns.

Looting was rampant in the city of 1.5 million residents as the Haitian capital prepared itself for a promised invasion from rebel forces that have already overrun the northern half of the Caribbean nation.

Police reportedly watched idly by as thieves wearing black ski masks and carrying guns and stones swarmed motorists trapped by roadblocks.

It's not only that Haiti is Dalembert's native land. It's not only that Port-au-Prince is the city where he was born and spent the first 14 years of his life.

No, Dalembert has an even more personal interest in what's happening back home.

Port-au-Prince is where Hyppomene Baptiste lives. She is Dalembert's 72-year-old grandmother - the woman who raised him.

"A few games ago, it affected me a little bit," Dalembert said of his concerns for his grandmother, "but I try to block it out. I called her right after the game, and when I talked to her, I felt better.

"She said, 'Don't worry about it, everything is fine.' But the thing is I know how crazy things can get there, because when I was little I saw things happen. I saw a lot of crazy stuff going on. I can imagine how things are right now."

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Ben · 02-29-2004, 08:35 AM

Well, it's gonna be tough for him to concentrate on the games instead. Let's hope things will get better over in Haiti.

**RoyWilliams** · 03-01-2004, 08:31 AM

Looked like it was affecting him in the game last nite, i saw him drop atleast 5 rebounds in the opening quarter.

Starks · 03-01-2004, 09:14 AM

The analysts last night said that his family didn't live in the part of town where the fighting was. So that is good.

Bruno · 03-02-2004, 06:45 AM

yeah , this is good . i hope all things go for good for his family and can play good again.

**RoyWilliams** · 03-02-2004, 08:18 AM

Isnt it strange how people would rather stay where they have been all their life. I mean Sam tried bringing her to the U.S but she didnt want to leave.

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