http://www.sacbee.com/351/story/153006.html
Pressley finally hits road again
The former King makes his first basketball trip since 1999.
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:30 am PDT Wednesday, April 11, 2007
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Harold Pressley, the Kings' new director of player development, looked content when he strolled onto the FedEx Forum floor Tuesday night. He was, after many years, on the road again.
"My first road trip since 1999," Pressley said with a smile.
Pressley was an assistant coach at Cleveland State the last time he boarded a plane for a road game. But not until six weeks ago did Pressley truly miss being in the NBA, when he told his wife he wanted to return to the league in some capacity. Not long after came the phone call from Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie that led to his March 30 hire.
Pressley -- who had been filling his time in real estate and stocks while serving as the chief administrator of the outreach organization, "Treat 'em like a King" -- said his new role is wide-ranging. He may help new players get situated in the city, looking into housing options or even offer automobile suggestions. He may serve as a confidant for players that don't want to complain to the team's coaching staff or who are dealing with off-court issues. And in the light-hearted department, he could -- as was the case before the Kings took on Memphis -- remind the Kings players that he used to be one of them -- a first-round draft pick in 1986.
Seated courtside, Pressley told reserve point guard Ronnie Price that he would be ready to beat him in a shooting contest in two days. Price said jokingly, "You may need two months, sir," then proceeded to show why. He strolled to the three-point line in the right corner, stood on one foot and buried a one-handed shot.
"Yeah, maybe I need more time," Pressley said.
Back to backs -- The Kings enter tonight's game in San Antonio with a 5-15 mark on the tail end of back-to-back games, good for a .250 winning percentage that is far below the .408 overall mark entering Tuesday's game.
Whether it's fatigue or lack of time to game-plan or other extenuating factors, they have struggled in these scenarios. It's not for lack of effort. They pushed Phoenix but fell 105-98 on Dec. 16; lost to Houston in overtime on Jan. 13; and lost to Dallas (106-104) on Jan. 27.
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@sacbee.com.
Pressley finally hits road again
The former King makes his first basketball trip since 1999.
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:30 am PDT Wednesday, April 11, 2007
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Harold Pressley, the Kings' new director of player development, looked content when he strolled onto the FedEx Forum floor Tuesday night. He was, after many years, on the road again.
"My first road trip since 1999," Pressley said with a smile.
Pressley was an assistant coach at Cleveland State the last time he boarded a plane for a road game. But not until six weeks ago did Pressley truly miss being in the NBA, when he told his wife he wanted to return to the league in some capacity. Not long after came the phone call from Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie that led to his March 30 hire.
Pressley -- who had been filling his time in real estate and stocks while serving as the chief administrator of the outreach organization, "Treat 'em like a King" -- said his new role is wide-ranging. He may help new players get situated in the city, looking into housing options or even offer automobile suggestions. He may serve as a confidant for players that don't want to complain to the team's coaching staff or who are dealing with off-court issues. And in the light-hearted department, he could -- as was the case before the Kings took on Memphis -- remind the Kings players that he used to be one of them -- a first-round draft pick in 1986.
Seated courtside, Pressley told reserve point guard Ronnie Price that he would be ready to beat him in a shooting contest in two days. Price said jokingly, "You may need two months, sir," then proceeded to show why. He strolled to the three-point line in the right corner, stood on one foot and buried a one-handed shot.
"Yeah, maybe I need more time," Pressley said.
Back to backs -- The Kings enter tonight's game in San Antonio with a 5-15 mark on the tail end of back-to-back games, good for a .250 winning percentage that is far below the .408 overall mark entering Tuesday's game.
Whether it's fatigue or lack of time to game-plan or other extenuating factors, they have struggled in these scenarios. It's not for lack of effort. They pushed Phoenix but fell 105-98 on Dec. 16; lost to Houston in overtime on Jan. 13; and lost to Dallas (106-104) on Jan. 27.
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@sacbee.com.
