~·~-sixersto begin exciti

by Brian O'Connell sports commentator

The NBA season is right around the corner. Tip-off is set for Oct 31. And for the Philadelphia 76ers, it should be another exciting season. After yet another second round playoff exit at the bands of the Indiana Pacers for the second year in a row, the Sixers look to get beyond that and get closer to a world championship.

It all starts with Allen Iverson, the Sixers' star who spent some time talcing on a new but brief career in rap music. Much controversy and dispute was raised on that topic and his album, but that it all behind everyone now and it is time to look ahead to the season. Look for Ivers~m to once again lead the team in scoring and see his field goal percentage improve. Hopefully be has improved himself as a leader and team player. But, that is why they play the games.

Along with Iverson, Eric Snow is back. All Snow really bas to do is keep improving on his game that he has done so well with in the past. He averaged around eight assists a game last year, which is a great sign for the team. We will just have to see if he can carry that stat into this season. In addition to Snow and Iverson in the backcourt, the Sixers are also returning guard Aaron Mckie who had a great showing last year in the playoff series versus Indiana. A great all around player, look for McKie to continue to do what be does best, and that is get the other four players on the court involved.

In the frontcourt, the Sixers are solid with Tyrone Hill who led the team last year with a near 50 percent field goal percentage. George Lynch, will give the Sixers another inside outside threat. Despite being a forward, he led the team in three-point percentage bitting on 41 percent of his attempts. And finally there is my man in the middle, Theo Ratliff who has hopefully already sent out invitations to this season's block party. He led the team in blocks last year accounting for 171 of them. Look for more of that this year along with his rebounding and scoring down low.

And then there is rookie Craig "Speedy" Claxton who unfortunately will miss the entire season. The star guard from Hofstra tore his anterior cruciate ligament in a preseason loss to the Utah Jazz. So, any hopes of seeing Claxton will have to wait for next season. In terms of the pre-season, the Sixers are 4-1. But, Coach Larry Brown is not happy with what he has seen so far. He says that there is a lack of effort on rebounding and shot selection