<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"><font size="3">Ex-Ole Miss star has skills Griz can use</font> By Ronald Tillery July 10, 2004 On his torso is a large tattoo that reads "Blessed Child." That's what Ansu translates to in the Creole dialect of Sierra Leone, his parents' native country. But Ansu Sesay believes he has more than divine and cultural intervention on his side as a member of the Grizzlies' summer league squad. "I played college ball at Ole Miss right down the street," said Sesay, a 1998 Ole Miss graduate who spent the past three seasons with the Seattle SuperSonics. "I feel like I'm right at home. The whole area (is behind me). . . . I've got a lot of people around here that I know that are pulling for me." Some NBA observers may wonder why Sesay would sign up for an audition with the Grizzlies. But the 6-9 veteran can play small forward and power forward, and possibly fill the void created by Theron Smith's departure. The Charlotte Bobcats chose Smith last month in the expansion draft. Although the Griz appear burdened by depth in the backcourt, James Posey and Shane Battier are the only true small forwards on the roster. Sesay has a legitimate chance at earning a roster spot because of his versatility and experience. "He is a proven NBA guy," Griz head coach Hubie Brown said. "We know that he can run. We know that he can rebound. We know that he can score points. "We also know that we're deep at small forward and power forward. But we lost (Theron) Smith. We like (Sesay's) athleticism. We know he can play and we like his attitude." Sesay, for that matter, likes his chances of remaining in the league despite an apparent divorce with Seattle. He's an aggressive player who uses hustle and defense as a calling card. "I did my job out there in Seattle," Sesay said. "I'm just looking for opportunity. . . . I'm not under contract so I have to take advantage of this. I can't sit around and wait. "There will be a couple of teams watching me and I think being a veteran will help me. I'll just play as hard as possible and try to make a team. The Grizzlies' style is my style. They get up and down (on offense) and guard on the other end." Sonics president Wally Walker insisted that Sesay isn't "completely out of the picture" in Seattle. Walker said the Sonics wanted to try out different role players during the summer league. "He is definitely an NBA player," Walker said of Sesay. "He has a good understanding of the game. He's really a good team defender and has enough offense to keep you honest." Sesay remains enthusiastic about proving his worth even after bouncing in, out and around the NBA the past few seasons. He's gone from Dallas, which drafted him in 1998, to Detroit, which waived Sesay after acquiring him in a trade in 2000. The Los Angeles Clippers once cut him during training camp. Sesay raised eyebrows in the NBDL before the Sonics acquired him before the 2001-02 season. "He's kind of a utility guy, gives you a little bit of anything. I think that is his strength," Sonics coach Nate McMillan said. "The fact that if you lose a (power forward), you can go small with him and not have a problem. "He can defend the (shooting guard) and (small forward) with his length and size and quick ness."</div> Read The Rest
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting nba_specialist_24_7:</div><div class="quote_post">would he get time behind Posey and Battier?</div> I would think not, especially since you have to factor in Brian Cardinal. He's a good player, but his future as a Grizz isn't very bright.
