Iverson finds cheeks is the answer
(AP)
Updated: 2005-10-08 08:52

DURHAM, N.C. - Allen Iverson loves practice so much he wants to arrive early. "I can't remember the last time I actually wanted to come in real early," the former MVP said Friday. "It's been great, man. Everybody's responding well. Everybody's trying to learn and get better."

The Philadelphia 76ers' Allen Iverson practices boxing-out during the fourth day of training camp at Cameron Indoor Stadium at Duke University on Friday, Oct. 7, 2005. [AP]

So much for the player who never missed a chance to denounce or skip practice.

Iverson has a whole new outlook now that former All-Star guard Maurice Cheeks is coaching the 76ers. The atmosphere at training camp at Duke University is fun and relaxed, and Iverson attributes that to the laid-back, yet authoritative, Cheeks.

"This was a dream for me, ever since coach (Larry) Brown left," Iverson said. "I wanted Maurice Cheeks to be the coach and now it's finally here. It's just different for me. I feel like in the 10 years that I've been playing, the atmosphere should have always been like it is. I should have always wanted to come to work every day and not play hard or go after people because I was upset about something."

Last year was really the first one where Iverson made news only for what he did on the court. The off-court drama and public coaching clashes evaporated as Iverson enjoyed perhaps his finest year, which included an All-Star game MVP award and a 60-point game.

After once asking, "How can I make my teammates better by practicing?" Iverson finally discovered he really can make a difference.

"When everybody sees that I'm working and ready to get at it, I guess it makes it that much easier for them to get involved with everything going on," Iverson said.

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