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Pejavlade · 07-03-2005, 12:13 AM

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Al Biancani will still be talking smack in Sacramento, still be taking athletes to the next level, and still be as busy as ever.

He just won't be a fixture at Arco Arena.

After 18 years as the Kings' strength and conditioning coach, Biancani, 64, retired from the NBA on Friday. His decision was mostly a business one, as his time has shrunk while his local repute and clientele list has grown. Some 400 local athletes depend on Biancani's workouts, and thousands before them depended on his expertise and barking ways.

Biancani has a personal training business operating out of Gold's Gym on Del Paso Boulevard, with a new facility in Natomas set to open in January. Leaving the Kings will allow more time for those endeavors, and to spend time with his wife, Veralee.

"It's time," Biancani said. "Since we've moved to Gold's Gym, it's gone crazy. I don't know if I would've lasted one more year (at both jobs). It was tough, being gone a lot (from) my wife."

Biancani's wife once took part in a legendary prank that typified her husband's style. In 1989, Kings center Joe Kleine was slacking off in a Biancani workout. So Biancani sent Veralee to the store to buy a pair of pink panties.

"I said, 'If you can't hang, put these on!' Then I threw the panties at him," Biancani said.

Biancani said the travel was the most grueling part of the Kings' job. He started traveling in 1998, leaving the non-Kings training to team members he left behind. When the Kings were home, Biancani's days were a blur, a nonstop cycle among the gym, the arena and home during 12-hour days. He will be missed at Arco. "I love working out with Al," second-year King Kevin Martin said. "I remember in college, I was like, dang, another day of weightlifting. But with Al, I wake up, and I'm ready to go see him."

By Sam Amick -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PDT Saturday, July 2, 2005

www.sacbee.com

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