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**speedythief** · 07-06-2005, 11:26 AM

Quote:

COSTA MESA, Calif. -- Bring on the best, Joey Graham says. The Raptors rookie is ready to defend anybody and everybody.

Graham, the Raptors' second first-round pick (16th overall) in the NBA draft last month, wants to establish himself as a defensive force in his rookie season. In fact, the Oklahoma State product didn't say a word about scoring or wins when asked to name his top goal for his first pro season.

"I want to come here and be that guy that the coach can tell, 'cover him' or 'stop him,' " the personable 6-foot-7 small forward said on the eve of the Raptors' first pre-Los Angeles Summer League practice. "I want to be the guy that covers Tracy (McGrady), Kobe (Bryant) or LeBron (James)."

Seeing as the Raptors were sixth-last in the NBA in points allowed per game last season, Graham's attitude can't be a bad thing. Praised for his athleticism and defence, Graham could be just what the doctor ordered for the defensively-soft Raptors. Anybody who mentions the names of McGrady, Bryant and James as desired opponents before playing in the NBA needs to have a healthy dose of confidence.

"Coming from Oklahoma State, we put a lot of emphasis on defence," he said. "It comes first nature to me."...

http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Bas...19191-sun.html

**KJay** · 07-06-2005, 11:29 AM

he's going to be a stud, great pic.

spuriousjones · 07-06-2005, 11:49 AM

wishlist for joey graham

play hard d
get to the line

GuelphRaptorsFan · 07-06-2005, 11:51 AM

What a fantastic attitude! Thumbs way, way up. And I think he's got the athletic ability to go with it, too.

spuriousjones · 07-06-2005, 11:53 AM

and villanueva on the boards-

Quote:

Raptors coach Sam Mitchell cancelled the team's first practice here at Orange Coast College, instead opting to have the players lift some weights at the hotel. The Raptors' other first round pick -- Connecticut forward Charlie Villanueva (seventh overall) -- is anxious to hit the court.

"I'm excited," he said. "I want to establish myself from the start. This team didn't do too well in rebounding (last season) and I want to help out in that aspect."

the culture is changing.

The Mad Viking · 07-06-2005, 12:20 PM

Couldn't ask for better signs.

Everyone remember Vince getting influenza lebronitis for the Cavs game last fall?

Does it not sound sweet to have someone say "I want to be the guy who covers the leauge's best"?

Our two biggest problems were defense and rebounding, and our two picks are talking about defence and rebounding...

TRON · 07-06-2005, 01:24 PM

great attitude by Graham and C-Nova

But it might be a little overzealous for a rookie(Joey) to come in and say he's gonna be a Kobe or Lebron stopper. It's good he's setting high standards but there are only a handful of players in the league that are capable of that feat, and if he's one of them, then we got ourselves one hell of a pick at 16!!

I'm getting more excited everyday about seeing how Bosh and Charlie pair up. It looks like C-Nova is all about the dirty work on the boards!!!!

either way it is really refreshing to have new talent in, that are confident in their abilities and are dying to get a chance to prove it!!

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