This is the first post for NBAHaq.  He will be contributing from time to time.  Be sure to check out his blog by clicking here.  Enjoy.

Written by and published with permission from Nate at NBA Haq

Although the "Back to School" part of the year ended in September, October marks the "Back to Season" month for the NBA. Here are 11 (enough other places do 10) All "New Season" Teams heading into the 2009-10 tip-off, complete with a school-themed twist. Find a seat, please.

All "We Rule the School" Team: Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard 

The NBA "University" equivalent of letterman-jacket wearing, cheerleader dating homecoming kings - except these guys are a much more accomplished, humbled bunch making a career - and millions - out of it.

All "School Legacy" Team: Shaquille O'Neal, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Jason Kidd, Allen Iverson

This group's achievements are already displayed proudly in the athletic department's trophy cases and splashed throughout the team media guides, yet they still have enough eligibility left to add even more to their legacy.

All "We Also Get Reserved Parking" Team: Dirk Nowitzki, Carmelo Anthony, Paul Pierce, Brandon Roy, Pau Gasol

Deserving star status around campus in their own right, these guys have no problems getting preferential seating, free drinks or tutoring assistance. 

All "Make Room for Us at the Cool Table" Team: Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo, Al Jefferson, Danny Granger

All schools are continuously passing the torch to new leadership (although the NBA has a longer waiting period), but this group is ready to step up and join the previous teams as perennial All-Stars.

All "Passa-Beta-Dima" Frat Team: Deron Williams, Tony Parker, Steve Nash, Chauncey Billups, Devin Harris

Small men on campus in the height department only, these players do quite well for themselves at NBA U by assisting others.

All "Freshman Officers" Team: Blake Griffin, Hasheem Thabeet, James Harden, Tyreke Evans, Jonny Flynn

History says they won't all pan out successfully, but all are given the opportunity to try, led by Freshman Class President Griffin. Flynn was a late-summer replacement after hopeful foreign-exchange transfer Ricky Rubio stayed overseas. True, most class offices consist of four members, but Thabeet is serving as the foreign relations representative.

All "Sophomore Officers" Team: O.J. Mayo, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love, Eric Gordon, Brook Lopez

Last year's Freshman President Derrick Rose has moved onto bigger and better things, while Freshman VP from a year ago, Michael Beasley, has been demoted from a school leadership position for now per request from the school psychiatrist. Lopez was brought in to help out with on-campus sibling relations.

All "Don't Rent Out My Room, but Go Ahead and Hold My Mail" Team: Tracy McGrady, Manu Ginobili, Gilbert Arenas, Baron Davis, Greg Oden

Similar to class credit mix-ups or financial aid snags, this group has to overcome injury setbacks in their quest to rekindle their popularity across campus - something Yao Ming will have to wait another year for.

All "Just Happy to Still Have a School ID" Team: Ron Artest, Rasheed Wallace, Stephen Jackson, Zach Randolph, Quentin Richardson

Thought of including Grant Hill here since he is finally healthy after all these years, but he doesn't quite fit in with this bunch. Maybe he could be their RA.

All "Tenured Professors" Team: Phil Jackson, Greg Popovich, Jerry Sloan, Larry Brown, Don Nelson

NBA University "Lifers" that bring tradition, prestige and a lot of gray hair to the faculty department.

All "Audio-Visual Department" Team: Mike Breen with Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson, Marv Albert with Doug Collins (Reggie Miller, not so much), Mike Tirico with Hubie Brown, TNT's Inside the NBA Crew, Every NBA Dance Team & Pre-game Intros Staff

Sure, it is a big group, but campus life would not be nearly as good without the sights, sounds, insight and comedy they provide.

Class dismissed. Enjoy the new year at NBA U!


Nate Hackenbracht (NBA Haq)
 
 
The Growl would like to welcome Paul.  He is a going to be a contributor from time to time.  This is his first post.

He was the first round draft pick from Georgetown in 1996. His career field goal % is .425. The factoids serve as a stop sign to his opponents, teammates and others who say bring him off the bench.

This 13 year veteran is looking for a place he can call home before he retires. I don't know if Graceland is up for sale or not. He is a streaky offensive weapon that thrives off of speed and proper spacing. Can he adjust to being the second or third option? Absolutely. He proved that to us for the past two years.

In 2007-08 season his scoring average was 26.4 PPG with Mr. Anthony being the first option. 2008-09 amid the Detroit Pitsons mutiny his scoring average hit an all time low 17.4 PPG. The addition of AI on this Memphis squad will be interesting. I plead for your indulgence for a moment.

The Grizzlies have obtained a young man by the name of Hasheem Thabeet.
AI playing with a 7''3 player that enjoys running the floor, and has good instincts for blocking shots will produce an inordinate amount of dunks and certainly more posters will sell.
Now, you anchor a self motivated low post machine with a career average of 16.7 PPG like Zach Randolph which will create open shots for the guards.
If we fuse in OJ Mayo and Rudy Gay and other supporting cast members, by golly you have yourself a pretty good team.

Time is a concept born out of eternity and creates maturity. It is Mr. Iverson's time to be mature and lead this team on and off the court.
He lead the Sixers to the NBA Championship in the 2001-02 season. The Hall of Fame discussion is much more pleasant for players with the right work ethic. 

Iverson must realize the difference between high % and low % shots and not over dribble into precarious situations.
Leaving his feet to pass is a fundamental that is neglected which creates unforced turnovers. His career average turnover per game is 3.6. His ability to play with small guards will create match up problems in the back-court defensively.

The important dynamic in helping the Al Factor perform at an optimal level is communicating to him his role. He is a task master and strives for excellence. First, he must know which hill to climb. Win shares is the estimated amount of wins contributed by each player. For example, Kobe Bryant is 138, Vince Carter is 90 and The Answer is 99.9. This is an impressive number for Mr. Iverson and confirms his pursuit for basketball excellence.
 
The AI factor within the right offense can still be a lethal weapon. He may like Graceland after all. Buy your tickets now, the GRIZZLIES' show is about to begin.

Paul E. Coleman